North Saanich fires planning director who is also running for mayor
Published 7:27 am Wednesday, October 14, 2026
North Saanich council has decided to fire the district’s director of planning after an independent investigation determined a ‘breakdown in trust’ is causing staff work issues district-wide.
After in-camera discussion Tuesday (Oct. 13), council unanimously agreed to terminate the employment of Felice Mazzoni, who has been the district director of planning since 2023.
North Saanich received multiple complaints regarding Mazzoni, who is also running for mayor, under its Respectful Workplace Policy, and hired Roper Greyell LLP Employment and Labour Lawyers to conduct an independent investigation, the district said in a public release.
There was a breakdown in the workplace stemming from the interactions of two individuals, one being Mazzoni, according to the four pages (with redaction) of a Poole Consulting report that were released.
“The breakdown in trust between these employees translated into a tendency of the complainants and the respondent to record, catalogue and fixate on even relatively minor incidents involving each other, rather than approaching each other directly or letting small annoyances roll off them and moving on,” the report reads.
“Although his conduct did not amount to a breach of the policy or law, the respondent’s conduct was contrary to the district’s expectations of its managers in several instances, as outlined in my findings. In my view, most of the concerning conduct stemmed from/related directly to what can be described as the respondent’s poor leadership skills and qualities, including but not limited to a lack of effective, empathetic, and respectful communication skills.”
It also notes Mazzoni’s evidence was at times, internally inconsistent or inconsistent with evidence of other participants and documents. “Although I did not find this was due to dishonesty, but rather a lack of understanding and self-awareness, I found this to be troubling for a person in his position.”
The negative interactions have impact on the department as a whole and the district, including issues between Mazzoni and the CAO and another director according to the report.
“In my view this makes it even more important that the district address these issues promptly and decisively,” the report reads.
The district said it attempted to negotiate a “departure agreement” but did not receive a response. The district had previously offered coaching, which he declined, according to the release.
Mazzoni is a mayoral candidate for North Saanich in Saturday’s (Oct. 17) election. Endorsed by North Saanich Strong, he’s hailed as an award-winning municipal planner and community leader with more than 30 years of experience.
“His career includes award-winning work in affordable housing, sustainable development, environmental protection and municipal policy,” his bio on the district’s election guide reads. “If elected mayor, Felice will bring respectful, effective leadership to Council, base decisions on evidence and community input, explain those decisions clearly, manage public resources responsibly, and keep Municipal Hall accountable to the people it serves.”
More to come …