The Highlands is a primarily residential community, rural in nature, and blessed with an exceptional abundance of scenic beauty, public parkland, and native plant and animal life. Those who live here place high value on the natural environment and a rural lifestyle.  Highlanders are actively involved in the community, which fosters a spirit that is both self-reliant and cooperative. A stunningly beautiful rural residential area, the Highlands is located just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, in the foothills between the Saanich Peninsula and other Westshore communities.  Most residents travel to neighbouring towns in order to work, attend school, visit libraries, shop, and engage in regional cultural and athletic interests.  This small community prides itself on its pioneering spirit, as evidenced during winter weather events, and is proud of its many volunteers and high level of community involvement. More than one-third of the Highlands is protected as municipal, regional, and provincial parkland, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.  Heritage is important to Highlanders, who are dedicated to the preservation of the past with its old buildings and the history of First Nations and European settlement.  Highlanders take great pride in stewardship of the environment and conservation of the land, which is the natural legacy we will leave to future generations. The history of the Highlands is documented in the book Beautiful Rocks, available for $29.95 at the district office. 

Mayor Jane Mendum

What's New in February, 2010

The District’s new and improved website is up and running. The site includes information on Council Committees as well as other pages of importance to the community. Check out the Forms & Applications page – everything you need to make an application can be found there. If there is content you would like council to consider for future inclusion, email your suggestions care of Tina - tneurauter@highlands.ca.

We extend a warm welcome to our interim planner, Jon Munn, who has joined district staff while Laura Beckett is on maternity leave. We look forward to working with Jon during this busy year.

Thank you to all those who applied to serve on Council’s Standing Committees. Your involvement in community decision-making is very much appreciated!

Council will discuss its annual priority action list at a Committee of the Whole meeting on February 8, 2010. Consideration of the district’s 2010 budget will begin in March - complete Council agendas can be previewed on the district website’s homepage and are available a few days before the meeting date.

Everyone is always welcome to attend council and committee meetings; council invites you to join us in the near future.

Council members wish all Highlanders a happy and healthy 2010!

Council invites your comments and input at all times, and extends a warm welcome to you at both council and Highlands committee meetings. (See calendar on the home page)