View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias has announced he will not seek re-election in the upcoming 2026 municipal election. The mayor revealed his decision on Oct. 14 during a committee of the whole meeting, saying it is a personal choice and an opportunity to pursue academic and consulting projects after his term ends.
Tobias encouraged prospective candidates to step forward. “If the future of the town matters to you, step forward, run for mayor and run for council,” he said, offering his time and experience to those interested in public service.
Elected in 2022 after defeating former mayor David Screech by 236 votes, Tobias reflected on his three years in office with pride. He said his council focused on key priorities such as livability, safety, affordability, sustainability, and planning for the town’s future.
“For such a small municipality, we have led the way in innovation, environmental policy, land-use planning, and public engagement, all with the support of an incredible staff,” Tobias added. He also highlighted the collaboration his administration fostered with neighboring municipalities and First Nations at regional and federal levels.
Despite the successes, Tobias expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of intergovernmental cooperation. He noted that View Royal’s relationship with the province is “at a historic low,” citing concerns over recent provincial legislation, including Bill 25, introduced on Oct. 9.
Bill 25 aims to streamline housing development across the province by creating consistent standards for small-scale, multi-unit projects. It also proposes adjustments to parking requirements and other site standards. Tobias argued that these changes could have negative local impacts. “With one stroke, the province has rezoned all of View Royal. Now all of those cars will spill into our streets, many of which are narrow and without sidewalks, forcing pedestrians, children, seniors, and people with mobility challenges into unsafe conditions,” he said.
He criticized the province’s approach as reactive, short-term, and lacking public engagement. Tobias said the collapse of intergovernmental collaboration has contributed to housing shortages and affordability issues across communities in British Columbia.
Despite these challenges, Tobias described his tenure as one of the most rewarding periods in his nearly 40 years of public service. He spent 24 years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and 11 years working for the provincial government before entering municipal politics.
View Royal’s next municipal election will take place on Oct. 17, 2026. In addition to the mayoral race, voters will elect six council members, nine SD61 school board trustees, and four SD62 school board trustees.
Tobias’s announcement marks a turning point for the town, creating an opening for new leadership and ideas. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and urged residents to consider public service roles seriously.
The mayor’s focus on safety, environmental initiatives, and sustainable growth has left a lasting impact on View Royal. Residents and council members alike will now look forward to the next election cycle to determine who will carry forward his vision for the town.
