FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (April 23rd, 2014)
Democracy alive in Duncan and North Cowichan. Councils put amalgamation question on November 2014 municipal ballot.
On April 16th North Cowichan Council and subsequently on April 22nd Duncan Council passed motions to put an amalgamation question on their ballots.
Amalgamation has been on the minds of many residents of Duncan and North Cowichan for years. The current boundaries between the two communities run just south of the recreation centre, dividing the urban area.
The North Cowichan motion proposes:
That Council add the following question to the November 2014 election ballot: “Are you in favour of spending $ (amount to be determined) to study the options, costs, and benefits for the amalgamation of the municipalities of North Cowichan and Duncan?”
Duncan Council on April 22 agreed to move forward with an amalgamation question and have asked staff to return with refined wording for the Council Committee of the Whole at the end of May.
The non-binding polls will determine the public appetite for combining the two municipalities. If supported, Duncan and North Cowichan will do studies and public sessions to gather information for an eventual referendum on amalgamation. The amalgamation could end duplication of services and unnecessary taxes, usher in efficiencies, create synergies and offer other benefits.
John Vickers spokesperson for Amalgamation Yes said, "It is nice to see democracy win out in the communities of Duncan and North Cowichan. We congratulate the elected officials for valuing the opinion of the electorate by allowing them to decide on the future direction of their communities. Elected officials in the Capital Region District should do the same.”
Contact Information:
Susan Jones: Amalgamation Yes Chair, 250-217-5340
John Vickers: Amalgamation Yes Spokesperson, 250-661-5350
AmalgamationYes.ca
Democracy alive in Duncan and North Cowichan. Councils put amalgamation question on November 2014 municipal ballot.
On April 16th North Cowichan Council and subsequently on April 22nd Duncan Council passed motions to put an amalgamation question on their ballots.
Amalgamation has been on the minds of many residents of Duncan and North Cowichan for years. The current boundaries between the two communities run just south of the recreation centre, dividing the urban area.
The North Cowichan motion proposes:
That Council add the following question to the November 2014 election ballot: “Are you in favour of spending $ (amount to be determined) to study the options, costs, and benefits for the amalgamation of the municipalities of North Cowichan and Duncan?”
Duncan Council on April 22 agreed to move forward with an amalgamation question and have asked staff to return with refined wording for the Council Committee of the Whole at the end of May.
The non-binding polls will determine the public appetite for combining the two municipalities. If supported, Duncan and North Cowichan will do studies and public sessions to gather information for an eventual referendum on amalgamation. The amalgamation could end duplication of services and unnecessary taxes, usher in efficiencies, create synergies and offer other benefits.
John Vickers spokesperson for Amalgamation Yes said, "It is nice to see democracy win out in the communities of Duncan and North Cowichan. We congratulate the elected officials for valuing the opinion of the electorate by allowing them to decide on the future direction of their communities. Elected officials in the Capital Region District should do the same.”
Contact Information:
Susan Jones: Amalgamation Yes Chair, 250-217-5340
John Vickers: Amalgamation Yes Spokesperson, 250-661-5350
AmalgamationYes.ca
