Frequently Asked Questions

Garbage, Recycling & Yard Waste

Animal Control

Utilities & User Fees

Property

Emergency Services

 

Who do I contact about garbage pick-up?

For all garbage pick-up inquiries phone Waste Management directly at 250-652-6242. If you continue to experience difficulty or the problem is not resolved, please contact the Town at 250-708-2258.

Residents may dispose of household organic food waste separately from their garbage. This waste is picked up by Waste Management at the same time as regular garbage.

Who do I contact about recycling?

All recycling inquiries can be directed to CRD recycling at 250-360-3030 or visit their website.

When is my recycle pick-up day?

The CRD website lists the recycling days for all residents within the capital region. Visit the CRD website and enter your address to find out your recycle pick-up day.

Where can I pick up decals for extra garbage containers?

Decals for extra garbage containers can be picked up at Town Hall at 45 View Royal Avenue. The cost is $3.50 per decal.

What can I do with my lawn and garden waste?

Residents of View Royal can drop off their lawn and garden waste for no charge upon proof of View Royal residency. Visit the Lawn & Garden Waste Disposal page for drop off locations. Lawn and garden waste is also collected annually in November on Saturdays. For your collection day, please see Lawn & Garden Waste Curbside Collection.

Who issues electrical and gas permits?

These permits are issued by Technical Safety BC. Applications for permits are available on their website or contact them at 1-866-566-7233.

Who do I contact about water services?

View Royal is connected to the Capital Regional District (CRD) water system. Most residents and businesses in the Town are on metred water services and receive direct billing from CRD Water for water consumption. All questions related to water service and billing should be directed to CRD Water at 250-474-9600 or visit the CRD Water Services website.

Who do I call about animal control?

Animal control is managed by the CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services. They can be reached at 250-478-0624 or the CRD Animal Services website.

Can I beautify the boulevard in front of my property?

Yes! The Town encourages residents to beautify their boulevards after first contacting the Engineering Department by emailing engineering@viewroyal.ca or phone at 250-708-2258 to acquire a permit. This permit is free of charge but allows the Town to let residents know of regulations and issues such as underground pipes that may be in the boulevard.

Can I close the drainage ditch in front of my property?

This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Property owners looking to close the drainage ditch in front of their property for the purpose of relocating a driveway or adding additional parking spaces must contact the Engineering Department by emailing engineering@viewroyal.ca or phone at 250-708-2258 for approval. Town staff will require a detailed plan showing the proposed works before a decision can be made.

Are the services the Town provides different if I live in a strata?

Yes. The primary difference in services provided by the Town is in the area of road maintenance. Since strata roads are privately owned by the strata corporation. As such, the Town does not provide road maintenance services such as sweeping, snow clearing and street lighting repairs. For inquiries regarding services related to strata properties, contact the Engineering Department by emailing engineering@viewroyal.ca or phone at 250-708-2258.

Where can I access tree removal or alteration permits?

If you have a tree on your property that you would like to remove or alter, you must first determine if you require a permit. The Town has designated certain trees as protected, significant, or as replacement trees which require permits prior to any alterations or removal. Check the Town's Tree Removal or Alteration requirements before proceeding with any plans for removing or altering trees on your property. Contact the Engineering Department at engineering@viewroyal.ca or 250-708-2258 if you have any questions.

Where can I access Engineering permits including driveway access and sewer and drainage connection permits?

Applications for driveway access permits, sewer connection permits and drainage connection permits are available at https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/engineering-permits-servicing-applications.html.

I can't make it to Town Hall when it is open. How can I make a payment to the Town?

If you would like to drop off a payment while Town Hall is closed, feel free to drop it off in an envelope in the drop box slot located at the left side of the main Town Hall doors. Alternatively, some payments such as property taxes and sewer user fees can be made directly at your banking institution or through online banking services. 
Payment Options

When is outdoor burning permitted?

There is no outdoor burning of any kind permitted in View Royal. This burning ban applies to both open air fires and fires in incinerators (including containers such as barrels and drums).

The burning ban does not apply to:

  • Indoor residential fireplaces or woodstoves or solid fuel burning appliances;
  • Outdoor gas-fired appliances;
  • Outdoor appliances that use charcoal briquettes;
  • Ceremonial burns on land receiving the Town's fire protection service under Esquimalt Indian Reserve Fire Protection Agreement Bylaw No. 192, 1994 and Songhees Indian Band Fire Protection Services Agreement Bylaw No. 336, 1998; or
  • Fires for the purposes of training the Town's Fire Department.

For more information on burning regulations, see the Town's Fire Services Bylaw. You can also contact the Fire Department by email to firerescue@viewroyal.ca or phone 250-479-7322.

I want to request a certified criminal record check, where do I apply?

If you live in View Royal, criminal record checks and fingerprinting services are provided by your local Westshore RCMP detachment. To apply for a criminal record check, contact the Westshore RCMP at 250-474-2264. For more information, including the Westshore detachment location and office hours, access the Westshore RCMP website.

I would like to start a Neighbourhood Watch Program, what should I do?

Neighbourhood Watch is a community based crime prevention program which aims to improve the quality of life within a neighbourhood by minimizing preventable crime and promoting closer community ties. The program relies on the community and the police working together in a partnership to achieve these aims. A Neighbourhood Watch Committee, along with a Block Captain, host meetings to bring neighbours up to date on issues pertaining to their area. If you are interested in initiating a Neighbourhood Watch program in your area, you are encouraged to contact Community Policing Services at the West Shore RCMP.

What are the regulations for buying, selling and discharging fireworks?

The Town has a bylaw in place that regulates the purchase, sale and discharge of fireworks. If you are looking to discharge consumer fireworks within View Royal, you must be 18 years of age or older and you must have a valid permit from the Town. For more details regarding consumer fireworks permits and the Fireworks Safety Course, contact the Fire Department by email to firerescue@viewroyal.ca or phone at 250-479-7322.

For more information on buying and discharging fireworks, see the Town's Fireworks Regulation Bylaw.

Do I need to have smoke alarms in my house?

Yes. View Royal's Smoke Alarm Bylaw requires that every home must have a smoke alarm located on each floor within a building. In addition, property owners are required to perform an annual test on each smoke alarm to ensure that it is working properly. For smoke alarms that are battery powered, the batteries must be replaced each year.

Click here to view the Town's Smoke Alarm Bylaw.

How can I arrange a tour of the Fire Hall for my community group?

The Fire Department conducts tours of the Fire Hall on an as-requested basis. These tours generally must be arranged at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Fire Department by email to firerescue@viewroyal.ca or phone 250-479-7322.

How can I become a volunteer fire fighter?

The Fire Department is always looking for new recruits. If you are interested in volunteering with the Fire Department, complete the Volunteer Firefighter Application Form [PDF - 159 KB] and submit it attention 'Fire Recruitment', to the Public Safety Building located at 333 Island Highway.

If you have any questions about becoming a volunteer firefighter, contact the Fire Department by email to firerescue@viewroyal.ca or phone at 250-479-7322.

Why and when does a Fire Inspector inspect my building?

Fire inspections, both for safety and insurance purposes, are done annually for commercial occupancies in the Town. Additional inspections are available upon request. Inspections are conducted free of charge at this time.

For inspections, please contact the Fire Department by email to firerescue@viewroyal.ca or call 250-479-7322.

What are the Town's regulations for the installation of fireplaces or wood stoves?

To install a fireplace or a wood stove, you must obtain a building permit. Building inspectors inspect any fireplace or wood stove that is newly installed. Inspections are conducted per the current BC Building Code and manufacturers specifications. A WETT certificate will be required at time of inspection.

For further information about fireplaces or wood stoves and building permit requirements, contact the Building Department at 250-708-2256 or email buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca.

What are the regulations for either above ground or underground storage tanks for flammable and combustible fuels (excluding residential oil tanks)?

The installation, use and removal of any storage tanks for flammable and combustible fuels (except for residential oil tanks) are regulated by the British Columbia (BC) Fire Code. For information, including required permits, please contact the Fire Department by email to firerescue@viewroyal.ca or call 250-479-7322.

What are the regulations for either above ground or underground residential oil tanks?

Regulations for residential oil tanks are outlined in Appendix CAN/CSA-B139-M "Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment" of the BC Fire Code. If you are installing an oil tank on your property, contact the Fire Department by email to firerescue@viewroyal.ca or phone 250-479-7322 to confirm regulation requirements.