Divisions & Departments

The Executive Operations division provides leadership and support to the Executive Leadership Team and staff, clarifies, and communicates CRD Board direction for the organization, and guides corporate-wide initiatives and corporate standards. This division is responsible for Board advocacy including a transparent reporting process and fosters relationships with representatives of the municipalities, electoral areas, First Nations, and provincial and federal governments.

People, Culture & Safety provides leadership, consultation, guidance and professional support for all CRD departments and divisions related to the following areas: talent acquisition; occupational health and safety;  labour relations; compensation services; abilities management and wellness; coaching and employee performance management; corporate/ organizational development; learning and development; human resource information systems records and policy; equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility; and employee engagement.

Corporate Communications & Engagement supports the Board, Executive Leadership Team, and the organization by providing strategic advice and support to ensure information is communicated appropriately through various channels. This is accomplished through the development and application of guidelines and tools that foster engagement and provide the public and employees with access to consistent, credible, reliable and timely  information. Services include media relations, emergency communications, digital engagement, content production & design, and advertising.

Salt Spring Island Administration is responsible for planning, organizing, and delivering a variety of services on Salt Spring Island, including community parks and recreation, transportation & transit, economic development, and Fernwood dock. This division also collaborates with other CRD divisions regarding local utility operations (water and wastewater) and provides support to the Electoral Area Director through its administration of various service commissions and committees. 

This function oversees strategic organizational decision-making by supporting the Board and Corporate strategic planning process, which occurs at the start of each term to set long-term, region-wide priorities, and delivering the annual service planning process, which identifies and prioritizes initiatives and resources to implement Board and corporate priorities. Additionally, it supports departments with service-focused strategic planning processes, as needed.

Legislative Services manages and provides specialized administrative support to the Board, standing and select committees, as well as regional, sub-regional and local water and wastewater commissions and committees (excluding Salt Spring Island), and the Port Renfrew Utility Services Committee. Services include the provision of procedural advice, scheduling of meetings and preparation of agendas and minutes. This division also administers elections and assent voting opportunities (referendum and alternative approval process); and manages the appointments for all committees and commissions. 

Privacy and Information Services leads activities under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, including access to information requests (FOI requests), Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), the corporate privacy management program, privacy complaints and breach reporting. This division also oversees the corporate records and information management program.  

Legal Services & Risk Management provides specialized support and direction on legal frameworks relating to local government, contracts, and bylaws. In addition, the division provides risk management services and insurance management for the entire organization.

First Nations Relations provides support to the CRD Board in achieving its stated key strategic goal of building strong relationships with First Nations, as well as to the Executive Leadership Team and division leads. Services include referral outreach, developing and maintaining service agreements, undertaking joint initiatives, and overall engagement on major regional plans, strategies and regionally-specific interests.

The Real Estate & Southern Gulf Islands Initiatives division manages the disposal, appraisal, acquisition, and disposal of real property interests, including evaluation of the portfolio, commercial leases, subdivisions, proformas, valuations, conveyancing, registering Notices on Titles and Covenants, and land title research. In addition, the division facilitates, and coordinates initiatives taking place on the Southern Gulf Islands, including advancement of local economic development goals, and provides local administration support.

Financial Services provides financial reporting and internal controls and provides guidance for the overall financial stability of the organization. This division is in charge of budgeting, the five year financial plan, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, grants administration, financial reporting and financial statements, contracts, investing, and safeguarding financial assets. The division also provides purchasing, and procurement functions and oversees administrative services such as printing and internal interoffice mail.

This division is responsible for advancing the organization’s technology and digital transformation initiatives by fostering innovation, improving operational efficiency and aligning technology efforts with organizational goals. The Technology & Digital Transformation division partners with other divisions to enhance and modernize services using technology and digital tools. This division is also responsible for core technical infrastructure including data centres, networks, security and power systems.  

The Arts & Culture division manages three services: the Arts and Culture Support Service, the Royal Theatre Service, and the McPherson Playhouse Service. This division works with the Arts Commission, the Arts Advisory Council, and the Royal and McPherson Theatres Services Advisory Committee to support, champion and develop the arts in the region. By supporting the arts, the CRD contributes to the development of a livable, sustainable and resilient region.

The Water Operations division operates several drinking water systems across the region, with a focus on providing clean and safe potable water, while ensuring compliance with public health and environmental regulations. This division operates and proactively manages infrastructure assets that exist in the Regional Water Supply System, Juan de Fuca Water Distribution System, and water systems in the electoral areas. 

The Water Operations division operates several drinking water systems across the region, with a focus on providing clean and safe potable water, while ensuring compliance with public health and environmental regulations. This division operates and proactively manages infrastructure assets that exist in the Regional Water Supply System, Juan de Fuca Water Distribution System, and water systems in the electoral areas. 

The Watershed Protection Division manages land within the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area to ensure high-quality source drinking water for the Regional Water Supply System. With a focus on wildfire & emergency response, leading edge watershed operations, and proactive resource planning, staff continuously focus on preventative actions to keep the ecosystems healthy and optimal for drinking water.  

The Infrastructure Planning & Engineering division is responsible for ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place and operational to meet service delivery and regulatory requirements. This division works closely with other Infrastructure & Water Services divisions in both a leadership and supportive role on matters related to water and wastewater utility planning, engineering services and capital project delivery, including engineering design and drafting, survey and mapping, dam safety inspections and administration, watershed hydrology and water supply planning. 

The Corporate Asset & Maintenance Management division’s is responsible for coordinating asset and maintenance management activities across the organization, including corporate fleet maintenance, repairs and replacements. The division develops and maintains standards, systems, and processes for business units to collect and maintain asset information for planning, decision-making, and reporting. To do this, the division works collaboratively with divisions across the organization to develop streamlined and consistent approaches.

The Business Support Services division is responsible for overseeing and enhancing the strategic, business, and administrative functions within Infrastructure & Water Services. This includes managing reporting, records, key performance indicators and data analysis, while also providing leadership for Commissions and Committees. It manages confidential executive support, oversees requests, and leads projects aimed at improving efficiencies.

The Climate Action service acts as a resource and facilitator on energy and climate issues. The service directly supports local governments in collaborative policy and planning efforts; provides scientific information, data and indicators related to regional greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts; catalyzes partnerships to implement regional programs and increase awareness; liaises with senior levels of government to inform programs and policies; and supports the organization in developing, monitoring and executing climate action plans and projects. 

Environmental Protection provides environmental oversight and scientific, technical, and regulatory support to the organization and local governments with a key focus on sanitary waste, solid waste, and drinking water services. The Division also coordinates regional and sub-regional initiatives related to environmental stewardship, including invasive species management and harbours stewardship. 

Regional Parks protects and manages more than 13,300 hectares of spectacular and easily accessible natural areas, consisting of 33 regional parks and reserves and four regional trails. The Regional Parks division plans and manages natural and cultural resources and infrastructure; collaborates and consults with various partners to implement strategic priorities, management plans, and service plans; oversees land acquisitions; undertakes scientific and technical work related to environmental management, recreation, conservation, and restoration; provides volunteer opportunities and delivers free and low-cost educational opportunities in the community.  

SEAPARC provides recreational programming and maintains recreational facilities serving citizens of the District of Sooke, the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area and T’Souke Nation. The commission's main facility is the SEAPARC leisure complex. Facilities include a three pool aquatic centre, ice rink, weight room, fitness studio, multi-purpose room, boardroom, sports field, bike park, skate park, outdoor sport box and golf course. 

Panorama Recreation provides recreational programming and maintains recreational facilities that serve the Saanich Peninsula, including the communities of North Saanich, Central Saanich, Sidney, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and Tsartlip First Nations. Panorama Recreation operates two facilities, the Panorama Recreation Centre, which includes the outdoor accessible multi-sport court, and the Greenglade Community Centre. In addition to those facilities, Panorama Recreation also provides programming at the Central Saanich Cultural Centre and North Saanich Neighbourhood of Learning.

The Facilities Management & Engineering Services Division provides building management services and professional engineering and construction management services to CRD divisions and departments. This division is also responsible for ensuring CRD engineering and project stewardship standards are maintained throughout the organization by providing leadership, engineering, and construction management support for corporate projects.

Environmental Resource Management aims to manage the region’s solid waste resources efficiently and effectively in an environmentally, socially, and economically responsible manner. This division’s responsibilities include the solid waste management plan, facility licensing, recycling and household hazardous waste collection programs, regional kitchen scraps strategy, community education and support programs, landfill bans, as well as leachate and landfill gas management. Services range from planning and policy development, bylaw, and contract administration to landfill operations.

The Building Inspection division is responsible for the regulation of construction, alteration, repair or demolition of buildings and structures within the Capital Regional District’s three electoral areas (Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands) to help ensure compliance with the BC Building Code. Building Inspection staff issue building permits, complete inspections, and field reviews, and keep records on file for future reference. Building Code regulations applied include, among other aspects, structural adequacy, fire safety, occupant health and safety, and energy efficiency.  

Protective Services is focused on planning, administration and operation of public safety, emergency management and response, bylaw, and animal care services at the regional, sub-regional and local level. Bylaw and Animal Care respond to complaints, seek voluntary compliance, and use regulatory and legal enforcement options to enforce bylaws. Emergency management services necessary to protect public safety include emergency planning and response for the Electoral Areas, Hazmat Response, 9-1-1 Call Answer, Regional Emergency Management Support, Fire Dispatch, Fire Protection, Corporate Emergency Management, and Search and Rescue. 

The Health and Capital Planning Strategies division provides overall administrative and operational support to community health, public health bylaws and the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) and the CRHD Board of Directors. The CRHD is an entity established by the Hospital District Act to provide through property taxation the local share of capital funding to construct, renovate and maintain health facilities and equipment in the region. 

The Regional Housing division is divided into three service areas: the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC); Planning and Capital Projects; and Housing Planning, Policy, and Programs. The CRHC oversees the operations and maintenance of nearly 2000 units of quality housing. In response to the growing demand for affordable and accessible housing, the Regional Housing division provides low- and moderate-income individuals and families with safe, suitable housing solutions throughout the region.

The Juan de Fuca Local Area Services division includes is responsible for the development of community plans and the administration of land use regulations for the electoral area. This includes preparing, administering and amending official community plans and zoning bylaws with advice from various commissions and recommendations from the Juan de Fuca Land Use Committee to the Board. The division is also responsible for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of community parks and the provision of recreation programming, including oversight of operation and maintenance of the Port Renfrew Community Centre.

The Regional Planning division works in partnership with local governments, electoral areas, and external agencies to manage regional growth and its related impacts. To support this work, the division provides an information service with analysis and reporting of regional population, development, land use, transportation, housing, and employment trends. Work by this division focuses heavily on transportation-related impacts.