The Town of Sidney in British Columbia has approved a pay increase for its next group of leaders and is formally opposing a plan to change a major bus route. During a meeting on February 9, 2026, officials decided to raise salaries for the next council term while raising concerns that a new bus path would make commutes longer for local residents.
Starting in January 2027, the Mayor’s yearly salary will increase by 28 per cent to $61,872. Salaries for city councillors will rise by 38 per cent to $26,605, marking the first time these pay rates have been fully updated since 2014.
Council also spoke out against a proposal from BC Transit to move Route 72 so that it stops at the Victoria International Airport on every trip. This change would add about 10 minutes to the travel time between Sidney and Victoria and would reduce service on local streets like Lochside Drive and Canora Road.
Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith said that while the change would help people getting to the airport, it would cause Sidney to lose about 44,000 riders a year. He argued that the plan is not fair because it cuts service to the West Sidney Industrial Park and nearby neighbourhoods to benefit other areas.
Residents can share their opinions on the bus route plan with the Victoria Regional Transit Commission until February 15, 2026. A presentation regarding the transit changes is set for the next council meeting on February 23, 2026.
