Saanich will be hosting a Public Open House to present information regarding a CREST (Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications) installation near the summit of Mount Tolmie.

The Open house will be held on: Monday, January 19, 2009 Please drop in anytime between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm St. Aidan’s United Church 3703 St. Aidan’s Street.

For further information, please contact Saanich Lands Division Phone: (250) 475-5494 ext 3574.

0.50% interest per annum will be allowed on payments of 2009 property taxes made between January 2 and April 30, 2009. Interest will be calculated from the date of payment to July 2, 2009. Contact the Municipal Tax Department at 475-5454 for further details.

The Animals Bylaw requires that all dogs over the age of 4 months be licensed on or before February 1, 2009. Licences are valid for the calendar year and may be purchased in person at the Cashier’s Wicket, Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue, Victoria BC V8X 2W7, by mail, or at any Saanich Recreation Centre.

If your dog has been neutered/spayed within the last 12 months or is a Guide Dog, the licence is free. Please bring the applicable certificate with you when you obtain the dog tag.

WHY SHOULD I LICENSE MY DOG? It is a requirement under the Animals Bylaw. The fine for not having a valid dog licence is $150.00. A Saanich dog tag is the best form of identification to quickly reunite you with your pet. Veterinarians often call to find the owner of injured dogs.

2009 RENEWALS: If you are the owner of a dog that was licensed in 2008, you should receive a 2009 Renewal Invoice in the mail. You can purchase your 2009 dog tag online. Otherwise, please return both parts of the notice when you purchase your dog tag in person at the Municipal Hall or by mail. If a Renewal Invoice has not been received, please contact the Municipal Hall at 250-475-5494, local 3587.

The Business Licence Bylaw requires that all businesses operating in the District of Saanich be in possession of a valid business licence. This requirement applies to all commercial, industrial, home based and non-resident businesses operating within the municipality.

Renewal notices are mailed at the end of each year to all businesses that were licensed the previous year. Payment may be made online, by mail, or at the Saanich Municipal Hall. Business licence fees are due and payable on the first business day in January each year, or the date of application for a new business licence, if later. If you are no longer operating your business please contact the Business Licence Division at 475-5401 so that we can update our records. Please check the Business Licence Bylaw for licence categories and fees.

How do I apply for a Commercial, Home Based or Inter-municipal Business Licence?

A Business Licence Application is available online. A copy of the form is also available at the Municipal Hall or can be mailed to you upon request. For further information or fee rates, please contact the Business Licence Division at 475-5401. Please read our pages about One Stop Business Registration and BizPal as well at www.saanich.ca.

Description of Proposed Lease Agreement

The Municipal Council of the Corporation of the District of Saanich is proposing to renew a lease agreement with the Nature Trust of BC over Lot 4, Sections 49 and 64, Victoria District, Plan 29590 (Lancaster Road) and Lot 1, Section 33, Victoria District, Plan 4466 (840 Swan Street). The properties were first leased in 1976, with five year terms for a total of 99 years, for use as part of the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. The term of the renewal lease will be for twenty years, with an option to renew for a further twenty years.

Alternative Approval Process

The alternative approval process for the lease agreement applies to all eligible electors within the boundaries of the District of Saanich. The Municipal Council may enter into the lease agreement unless at least 10% of Saanich electors (8,364) sign elector response forms to indicate that the Council must obtain the assent of the electors before proceeding. The deadline for receipt of elector response forms is FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2009.

Elector responses must be in the form established by the Municipality and are available along with the proposed lease agreement and accompanying report at the Legislative Division, Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, except statutory holidays. The documents are also available on our website or you may request them by contacting the Legislative Division at 475-1775, faxing us at 475-5440 or e-mailing us at clerksec@saanich.ca.

Elector response forms may be submitted to Saanich Council by mailing or otherwise delivering them to the Legislative Division, Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 2W7. Please note that only eligible electors of the District of Saanich are entitled to sign elector response forms.