View Royal pushes for community-driven planning amid growth, opposing B.C. housing bills that limit municipal decision-making.
Balancing Nature and Growth in View Royal
Nestled between the booming Vancouver Island communities of Colwood, Langford, and Saanich, the town of View Royal is taking a cautious approach to development. With a modest population of 13,500, this nature-rich municipality is positioning itself as a thoughtful alternative to the rapid expansion of its neighbours.
Mayor Sid Tobias calls View Royal a “modern bedroom community,” one that commuters traverse daily. But while it serves as a vital connector in the region, the town is now pushing back against the pressure to grow at the province’s pace.
Strategic Planning Through Community Voices
In response to increasing traffic and population concerns, View Royal council has launched a comprehensive planning initiative: View Royal 2025 – Our Future View. This long-term vision will steer growth over the next 25 years, ensuring that residents’ voices are central to future development.
“Our approach is based on proper planning and community consultation,” said Mayor Tobias. “We’re asking, how do we make growth pay for growth?”
Pushback on Provincial Housing Mandates
The town’s leadership is also voicing strong concerns about the province’s housing targets and the legislative measures supporting them. View Royal recently submitted a formal letter opposing British Columbia’s Bills 15 and 7, which would centralize development decisions at the cabinet level.
“I have grave concerns about both of these bills,” Tobias stated. “They isolate decision-making from municipalities and sideline public engagement.”
Rethinking the Town’s Identity
View Royal’s unique charm lies in its abundant green space, including Portage Inlet and Thetis Lake Park. Lacking a traditional downtown core, the town is exploring whether to invest in central development or focus on strengthening its neighbourhood hubs. So far, the latter appears to align better with the community’s character and needs.
A Growing Hub for Entrepreneurs
Despite its measured approach to expansion, View Royal is becoming a beacon for business owners. Rebecca McGuire, co-owner of The Nest Café along the Galloping Goose Trail, shared her story of revitalizing the local coffee shop two years ago.
“You feel part of a community when you come here,” McGuire said. “It was absolutely the best decision.”
In fact, The Globe and Mail recently ranked View Royal the number one place in Canada for entrepreneurs to live—citing its vibrant atmosphere, economic stability, and welcoming community.
A Model for Thoughtful Development
While surrounding municipalities race to meet aggressive housing targets, View Royal is choosing purpose over pace. With its eyes on sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and local engagement, this small town is crafting a future on its own terms.
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