Public Hearings

Under the Local Government Act, a Public Hearing must be held before third reading of a bylaw that proposes to change either:

• The Zoning Bylaw, or
• The Official Community Plan (OCP).

Notification of a Public Hearing is provided through:

• Newspaper advertisements for two consecutive weeks in a local paper, and
• Mailed notices to owners and tenants of properties within 100 metres of the subject property.

Notices include all the information needed to understand the proposal and provide feedback for Council’s consideration.

Recent (2023) changes to provincial legislation prohibit Council from holding a Public Hearing for certain zoning amendments related to housing.

A Public Hearing must not be held if:

• The zoning change is consistent with the Official Community Plan,
• The amendment is intended to support new residential development, and
• At least half of the proposed buildings are for housing.

Example:
If a zoning amendment is proposed to enable a townhouse project on land already designated for residential use in the OCP, Council cannot hold a Public Hearing.

In that case, notification by newspaper and mail is still required, but it occurs before first reading of the bylaw.

This legislative change supports the Province of BC’s efforts to address the housing crisis and streamline approvals for new homes.

No. Public Hearings are a chance for Council to listen to the public. Questions should be directed to District staff before the hearing.

No. All submissions must include your name and municipality and become part of the public record.

Council reviews all feedback before deciding whether to proceed with the bylaw. They may:

• Give third reading,
• Make changes to the bylaw, or
• Defeat the bylaw.

Yes. Anyone who believes their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw may participate, regardless of where they live.

You can still submit written comments before the hearing begin - by noon on the day of the hearing to Corporate Services. Once the hearing has closed, no new input can be considered.

Notices are published in the newspaper, posted at Municipal Hall, and shared on the District’s website. 

A bylaw is a local law adopted by Council through a formal process. Bylaws establish rules and authority for local government operations and land use.

The Zoning Bylaw regulates how land, buildings, and structures may be used in Sooke. It sets rules for permitted uses, building height, setbacks, and density—implementing the land use vision in the Official Community Plan.

An OCP describes the long-term vision for the community. It includes objectives and policies that guide decisions on land use, infrastructure, housing, and environmental sustainability.

Any written or spoken input shared at a Public Hearing becomes part of the official public record, which is available for public viewing.

The bylaw is introduced to Council. Council considers its general purpose but does not debate details at this stage. If supported, it moves to second reading.

Council reviews the bylaw in more detail. Staff reports and technical information are presented. If a Public Hearing is required, it is scheduled after second reading.

Council reviews the bylaw after public input, discusses possible changes, and votes to proceed or not.

Also known as final adoption, this confirms all legislative requirements have been met. Once adopted, the bylaw becomes law.