Municipal government in Capital Region designed for the past...
January 7, 2021
Jim Anderson
The role of city councils have changed; and now the majority of city boundaries established decades ago are not particularly relevant today.
Stop and reflect on your daily life when your community was where you worked, shopped and local school grounds served as your playgrounds. Today, where we sleep and pay property taxes is not usually where we work, shop, play or learn. Hospitals, colleges, big box stores, recreation centres and even churches serve the region and are generally located in another municipality. Conversely residents from other municipalities use your local roads and bridges to visit and use facilities, services, institutions and workplaces in other municipalities. Read more
What can we learn from Waterloo?
January 7, 2021
Jim Anderson
The Region of Waterloo population (530,000) is only slightly larger than the approximate commuter range population of Southern Vancouver Island (450,000). Like Victoria it is also a college town with over 50,000 students. Read more
Making sense of property tax mumbo jumbo
December 7, 2020
Doug Pascoe
So you’re a Saanich taxpayer and you have just received your residential property tax notice.......and you think “at least I’m not responsible for Victoria’s tax burden”. So you’re a Victoria taxpayer and you have just received your residential property tax notice.......and you think “at least I’m not responsible for Saanich’s tax burden” Read more
December 7, 2020
Doug Pascoe
So you’re a Saanich taxpayer and you have just received your residential property tax notice.......and you think “at least I’m not responsible for Victoria’s tax burden”. So you’re a Victoria taxpayer and you have just received your residential property tax notice.......and you think “at least I’m not responsible for Saanich’s tax burden” Read more
Special roles and obligations of Victoria and Saanich
August 30, 2020
Jim Anderson
Some critics of a possible Saanich – Victoria merger argue that each municipality is special, and residents risk losing their unique values and responsibilities. Some even argue that their residents are more committed to preserving the values and characteristic that make Greater Victoria a special community. And others even go so far as to talk about the “death of Saanich”.
Read more.
Saanich and Victoria: What do we share?
August 27, 2020
Jim Anderson
Some respond to this question “I live in Saanich and I like living here in Cadboro Bay.” Others say “I live in James Bay and like it here.” But if Victoria and Saanich were to merge, what would change? You would still live James Bay or Cadboro Bay or Gordon Head or Fernwood. Amalgamation would not affect the character or enjoyment of these neighbourhoods. Read more.
August 27, 2020
Jim Anderson
Some respond to this question “I live in Saanich and I like living here in Cadboro Bay.” Others say “I live in James Bay and like it here.” But if Victoria and Saanich were to merge, what would change? You would still live James Bay or Cadboro Bay or Gordon Head or Fernwood. Amalgamation would not affect the character or enjoyment of these neighbourhoods. Read more.
Saanich - Victoria: The invisible border
March 31, 2020
Colin Nielsen
The City of Victoria was incorporated on August 2, 1862 on the British Colony of Vancouver Island. When founded, it was the second city incorporated in Western Canada after New Westminster, which was incorporated on July 16, 1860. Victoria was 5 years old when the Dominion of Canada was created, and 9 years old when British Columbia became a Province and joined Confederation with Victoria as its capital city. Victoria remained the only incorporated municipality on the southern tip of Vancouver Island for 44 years until Saanich and Oak Bay incorporated on March 1 and July 2, 1906 respectively. Read more
March 31, 2020
Colin Nielsen
The City of Victoria was incorporated on August 2, 1862 on the British Colony of Vancouver Island. When founded, it was the second city incorporated in Western Canada after New Westminster, which was incorporated on July 16, 1860. Victoria was 5 years old when the Dominion of Canada was created, and 9 years old when British Columbia became a Province and joined Confederation with Victoria as its capital city. Victoria remained the only incorporated municipality on the southern tip of Vancouver Island for 44 years until Saanich and Oak Bay incorporated on March 1 and July 2, 1906 respectively. Read more
A National voice?: Maybe we will finally be invited to the party
March 19, 2020
Colin Nielsen
Even though Greater Victoria has a population of over 377,000, it is not included in the Big City Mayors' Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Being excluded from this influential lobbying group comes at great cost to the region. Chances are improved with the potential for a Saanich - Victoria municipal merger. Read more.
March 19, 2020
Colin Nielsen
Even though Greater Victoria has a population of over 377,000, it is not included in the Big City Mayors' Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Being excluded from this influential lobbying group comes at great cost to the region. Chances are improved with the potential for a Saanich - Victoria municipal merger. Read more.
Saanich & Victoria: What changes would result from a municipal merger?
February 26, 2020
Colin Nielsen
Some conclusions can drawn about the makeup of a new council if Saanich and Victoria voters approved amalgamation. Each municipality currently has a mayor and 8 councillors. Section 118(1)(a) of the Community Charter sets the maximum number of councillors at 8, excluding the mayor. If the Saanich – Victoria Citizens’ Assembly recommends a merger, and if the two councils put the merger to a Provincially authorized binding vote, and if a majority of the voters in both municipalities vote in favour of merging, then a new municipality would be created. Following the merger, residents of the new Municipality would elect1 a new council consisting of a Mayor and 8 Councillors (the new Council could enact a bylaw after their election to increase the number of Councillors to 10, if they so desired (see Community Charter Section 118(3), & (5)) those additional council positions would be filled at next local election). Read more.
February 26, 2020
Colin Nielsen
Some conclusions can drawn about the makeup of a new council if Saanich and Victoria voters approved amalgamation. Each municipality currently has a mayor and 8 councillors. Section 118(1)(a) of the Community Charter sets the maximum number of councillors at 8, excluding the mayor. If the Saanich – Victoria Citizens’ Assembly recommends a merger, and if the two councils put the merger to a Provincially authorized binding vote, and if a majority of the voters in both municipalities vote in favour of merging, then a new municipality would be created. Following the merger, residents of the new Municipality would elect1 a new council consisting of a Mayor and 8 Councillors (the new Council could enact a bylaw after their election to increase the number of Councillors to 10, if they so desired (see Community Charter Section 118(3), & (5)) those additional council positions would be filled at next local election). Read more.
Victoria Councillor Ben Isitt voted against unified critical Emergency Dispatch services
July 3, 2018
Colin Nielsen
Councillor Isitt's Facebook comments against a Citizens' Assembly (blog below) included a statement that he supported amalgamating Emergency Services
It’s interesting to look back and see he was the only CRD Director to vote against the South Island Communications Centre enabling bylaws. The South Island Communications Centre will be a major step towards amalgamated Emergency Services (containing centralized Police Dispatch and 9-1-1 Call Answering). Councillor Isitt voted against merging the three emergency communications centres in Sept 2016 that will ultimately improve police dispatch and emergency call answering and, over time, will pay for itself through personnel efficiencies.
Then, in late June 2018, Councillor Isitt said he supported amalgamating emergency services, despite voting against it.
FROM CRD BOARD MEETING MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
"Emergency Response Dispatch Center - Including Unified 911
In response to questions, staff provided information regarding the debt servicing for the proposed new facility to be covered by the current 911 call levy; the accommodation of future emergency response capacity such as fire dispatch; and the timing of the alternative approval process for the bylaws to coincide with the non-binding offer on the site for the new facility. Staff noted more details on costs and budget would be forthcoming.
Director Jensen left the meeting at 3:28 pm.
MOVED by Director Howe, SECONDED by Director Windsor,
That Bylaw No. 4119, cited as "911 Call Answer Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1, 2016", be introduced and read a first and second time.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt
MOVED by Director Howe, SECONDED by Director Windsor, That Bylaw No. 4119 be read a third time.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt
MOVED by Director Screech, SECONDED by Director Windsor,
That bylaw No. 4123, cited as “Emergency Response Telephone Extended Service Establishment Bylaw, No. 1, 1997, Amendment Bylaw No. 1, 2016”, be Introduced and read a first and second time.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt
MOVED by Director Screech, SECONDED by Director Windsor, That bylaw No. 4123 be read a third time.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt
MOVED by Director Howe, SECONDED by Director Windsor,
That staff be directed to conduct an alternative approval process for Bylaw No. 4119 and Bylaw No. 4123.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt"
July 3, 2018
Colin Nielsen
Councillor Isitt's Facebook comments against a Citizens' Assembly (blog below) included a statement that he supported amalgamating Emergency Services
It’s interesting to look back and see he was the only CRD Director to vote against the South Island Communications Centre enabling bylaws. The South Island Communications Centre will be a major step towards amalgamated Emergency Services (containing centralized Police Dispatch and 9-1-1 Call Answering). Councillor Isitt voted against merging the three emergency communications centres in Sept 2016 that will ultimately improve police dispatch and emergency call answering and, over time, will pay for itself through personnel efficiencies.
Then, in late June 2018, Councillor Isitt said he supported amalgamating emergency services, despite voting against it.
FROM CRD BOARD MEETING MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
"Emergency Response Dispatch Center - Including Unified 911
In response to questions, staff provided information regarding the debt servicing for the proposed new facility to be covered by the current 911 call levy; the accommodation of future emergency response capacity such as fire dispatch; and the timing of the alternative approval process for the bylaws to coincide with the non-binding offer on the site for the new facility. Staff noted more details on costs and budget would be forthcoming.
Director Jensen left the meeting at 3:28 pm.
MOVED by Director Howe, SECONDED by Director Windsor,
That Bylaw No. 4119, cited as "911 Call Answer Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1, 2016", be introduced and read a first and second time.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt
MOVED by Director Howe, SECONDED by Director Windsor, That Bylaw No. 4119 be read a third time.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt
MOVED by Director Screech, SECONDED by Director Windsor,
That bylaw No. 4123, cited as “Emergency Response Telephone Extended Service Establishment Bylaw, No. 1, 1997, Amendment Bylaw No. 1, 2016”, be Introduced and read a first and second time.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt
MOVED by Director Screech, SECONDED by Director Windsor, That bylaw No. 4123 be read a third time.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt
MOVED by Director Howe, SECONDED by Director Windsor,
That staff be directed to conduct an alternative approval process for Bylaw No. 4119 and Bylaw No. 4123.
CARRIED
OPPOSED Isitt"
Responding to Victoria Councillor Isitt on why he voted against creating a Victoria - Saanich Citizens' Assembly
June 30, 2018
by Colin Nielsen
On June 26, the City of Victoria and District of Saanich held a joint Committee of the Whole meeting to formulate a common question on the October 20 municiple ballot. Councillor Isitt gave three reasons for his vote against a Citizens' Assembly.
Read more.
June 30, 2018
by Colin Nielsen
On June 26, the City of Victoria and District of Saanich held a joint Committee of the Whole meeting to formulate a common question on the October 20 municiple ballot. Councillor Isitt gave three reasons for his vote against a Citizens' Assembly.
Read more.
Regional Fire Dispatch - The hidden costs of Surrey contract
June 4, 2018
Following a close examination of the Surrey contract for fire dispatch services, there are costs that make this out-of-region service less competitive. Colin Nielsen and James Anderson caution local councils to consider this additional information.
Letter to Oak Bay, Central Saanich and Victoria Mayors and Councils
Letter to North Saanich Mayor and Council
Regional Fire Dispatch is critical for the region!
May 16, 2018
As five municipalities prepare to pursue fire dispatch services from a provider outside of the region, presentations were made to the CREST Board on May 16, 2018 by Colin Nielsen and James Anderson in support of a regional approach to this critical public safety service.
Read Colin Nielsen's presentation
Read James Anderson's presentation
May 16, 2018
As five municipalities prepare to pursue fire dispatch services from a provider outside of the region, presentations were made to the CREST Board on May 16, 2018 by Colin Nielsen and James Anderson in support of a regional approach to this critical public safety service.
Read Colin Nielsen's presentation
Read James Anderson's presentation
Looking at the numbers:
Comparing Saanich and Victoria taxes requires context and information
May 13, 2018
by Colin Nielsen
Recently, a series of charts and graphs was distributed to the Saanich Community Association Network (SCAN) by Saanich Councillor Fred Haynes, with a copy to Amalgamation Yes. The material was reportedly developed by Saanich Municipal CAO, Paul Thorkelsson. Read more.
Comparing Saanich and Victoria taxes requires context and information
May 13, 2018
by Colin Nielsen
Recently, a series of charts and graphs was distributed to the Saanich Community Association Network (SCAN) by Saanich Councillor Fred Haynes, with a copy to Amalgamation Yes. The material was reportedly developed by Saanich Municipal CAO, Paul Thorkelsson. Read more.
Some Thoughts on the Capital Integrated Services and Governance Initiative report
September 28, 2017
by Jim Anderson
General Impressions
If one accepts the limitations of the study objectives the CISGI report has many good features. It is readable, comprehensive, well organized and informative. The document almost acts as a primer on local government in BC and provides clear framework from which to understand provincial legislation and policies that establish how local government is supposed to function at both the local and regional level. Read more.
September 28, 2017
by Jim Anderson
General Impressions
If one accepts the limitations of the study objectives the CISGI report has many good features. It is readable, comprehensive, well organized and informative. The document almost acts as a primer on local government in BC and provides clear framework from which to understand provincial legislation and policies that establish how local government is supposed to function at both the local and regional level. Read more.
Duncan/North Cowichan amalgamation update
June 7, 2017
The 36 member Duncan North Cowichan Citizens’ Assembly presented their report jointly to the City of Duncan and the District of North Cowichan on Tuesday May 23rd. Their final recommendation to the two councils was to amalgamate. They also recommended that the two councils create a working committee to create a plan to communicate with citizens and to come up with a strategy and common “binding question” under Section 4 of the Local Government Act. Read more
June 7, 2017
The 36 member Duncan North Cowichan Citizens’ Assembly presented their report jointly to the City of Duncan and the District of North Cowichan on Tuesday May 23rd. Their final recommendation to the two councils was to amalgamate. They also recommended that the two councils create a working committee to create a plan to communicate with citizens and to come up with a strategy and common “binding question” under Section 4 of the Local Government Act. Read more
Why the CRD's second try at inclusion in the Big City Mayors' Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is doomed to fail
May 24, 2017
Lisa Helps is Mayor of the City of Victoria with a population of 85,792. Why should the Big City Mayors Caucus (BCMC) of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) accept the Mayor of Victoria as a representative for either the City of Victoria or the Capital Regional District? Read more.
May 24, 2017
Lisa Helps is Mayor of the City of Victoria with a population of 85,792. Why should the Big City Mayors Caucus (BCMC) of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) accept the Mayor of Victoria as a representative for either the City of Victoria or the Capital Regional District? Read more.
This is what democracy looks like: the Duncan-North Cowichan Citizens' Assembly
April 7, 2017
I recently attended the second of two Public Roundtable meetings of the Duncan-North Cowichan Citizens' Assembly held at the Island Savings Centre, North Cowichan on April 6, 2017. This is part of the process whereby the municipalities of Duncan and North Cowichan are investigating the feasibility of unifying into one municipality. Read more. See also blog below, Different areas, same situation, different outcomes, February 13, 2017.
April 7, 2017
I recently attended the second of two Public Roundtable meetings of the Duncan-North Cowichan Citizens' Assembly held at the Island Savings Centre, North Cowichan on April 6, 2017. This is part of the process whereby the municipalities of Duncan and North Cowichan are investigating the feasibility of unifying into one municipality. Read more. See also blog below, Different areas, same situation, different outcomes, February 13, 2017.
Different areas, same situation, different outcomes?
February 13, 2017
On Saturday, November 15, 2014, local government elections were held across British Columbia. Several municipalities on Vancouver Island had non-binding referendum amalgamation questions on the ballot. Two regions and their municipal amalgamation processes are examined, along with the actions taken to date (or lack of) as a result of those majority YES ballots. Read more.
February 13, 2017
On Saturday, November 15, 2014, local government elections were held across British Columbia. Several municipalities on Vancouver Island had non-binding referendum amalgamation questions on the ballot. Two regions and their municipal amalgamation processes are examined, along with the actions taken to date (or lack of) as a result of those majority YES ballots. Read more.
Are small local police forces able to handle sex assault cases?
February 9, 2017
A recent Times Colonist story of February 8, 2017 reported on a Globe and Mail investigation:
“The Globe and Mail spent 20 months investigating how police across Canada handle sex assault allegations, and found flaws and inconsistencies in how many cases are closed as unfounded or baseless. Lawmakers and law enforcement have promised to do better.”
An unfounded case indicates the investigating officer does not believe a crime was attempted or occurred.
Two of Greater Victoria’s smallest independent municipal police forces were singled out as having high rates of unfounded sex assault cases: Central Saanich Police Department dismissed 60% as unfounded (15 of 25), while Oak Bay Police Department dismissed 44% as unfounded (7 of 16). The national average is 19% (read more)
February 9, 2017
A recent Times Colonist story of February 8, 2017 reported on a Globe and Mail investigation:
“The Globe and Mail spent 20 months investigating how police across Canada handle sex assault allegations, and found flaws and inconsistencies in how many cases are closed as unfounded or baseless. Lawmakers and law enforcement have promised to do better.”
An unfounded case indicates the investigating officer does not believe a crime was attempted or occurred.
Two of Greater Victoria’s smallest independent municipal police forces were singled out as having high rates of unfounded sex assault cases: Central Saanich Police Department dismissed 60% as unfounded (15 of 25), while Oak Bay Police Department dismissed 44% as unfounded (7 of 16). The national average is 19% (read more)
Urban taxpayers pay the bills:
More examples of free riders
November 23, 2016
It's a fair and general principle that those who benefit from a service should pay for that service. In the realm of municipal services there are 'externalities'. An externality is a benefit (or cost) that affects a party who did not choose to incur that cost or benefit. Economists often urge governments to adopt policies that "internalize" an externality, so that costs and benefits will affect mainly parties who choose to incur them. (read more)
More examples of free riders
November 23, 2016
It's a fair and general principle that those who benefit from a service should pay for that service. In the realm of municipal services there are 'externalities'. An externality is a benefit (or cost) that affects a party who did not choose to incur that cost or benefit. Economists often urge governments to adopt policies that "internalize" an externality, so that costs and benefits will affect mainly parties who choose to incur them. (read more)
Electing the Capital Region District Board is not enough!
November 10, 2016
Nearly everyone recognizes that the current governance structure of the CRD Board and the selection of its member appointments by municipal councils is neither accountable nor democratic.
Recently suggestions have been made that the remedy is simply to elect a separate Chair and Board members. The Chair would then be the de facto super mayor of Greater Victoria, and able to represent the region on federal and provincial matters.
While that may be a prudent change, it does not resolve fundamental structural flaws and the operation of regional districts in BC. (read more)
How Langford Mayor's proposal for a 10 year business tax holiday damages the both Langford and Greater Victoria
October 27, 2016
There are two important issues at play, the economic argument and the political argument and how we fail to function as a metropolitan region. Read more.
October 27, 2016
There are two important issues at play, the economic argument and the political argument and how we fail to function as a metropolitan region. Read more.
Time to Revisit the CRD Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) 2016
October 17, 2016
The current version of the Capital Region District RGS has been in preparation over the past three years; first, as a draft Regional Sustainability Strategy (RSS) and now as an update of the 2003 RGS. The document has several merits particularly in being more accessible and with a recognition of some current issues such as the environment, housing and climate change. In that respect, I strongly support those sections of the document but suggest much has changed in recent years and that it falls short in the Sections 1, 4 and 5 dealing with current and future relationships between land use, transportation and the economy. (read more)
Should the Capital Region District be included in the Big City Mayors' Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities?
September 14, 2016
Recently, the Chair of the Capital Region District wrote to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to request that the CRD be included in the Big City Mayors' Caucus (BCMC) of the FCM. (read more)
Would a Halifax-style amalgamation work in Victoria?
August 28, 2016
Halifax and Victoria have much in common. They are provincial capitals of similar size and both are coastal cities historically associated with the navy and shipbuilding. Unlike Victoria, however, Halifax underwent a government imposed amalgamation some 20 years ago. (read more)
August 28, 2016
Halifax and Victoria have much in common. They are provincial capitals of similar size and both are coastal cities historically associated with the navy and shipbuilding. Unlike Victoria, however, Halifax underwent a government imposed amalgamation some 20 years ago. (read more)
We need accountable and responsible government, not more ISDs
August 15, 2016
Part 1:
Two recent documents, one from the Capital Region District (CRD) and another compiled by officials from our 13 municipalities provide a lengthy and detailed overview of over 350 Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) agreements in the region. Advocates such as retired academic Bob Bish and some municipal mayors trumpet that the existence of these “voluntary cooperative partnerships” between the various municipalities is evidence that the current model of local and regional governance is working well and major reform is not needed. (read more)
Part 2:
In Part 2 we review a revealing 22 page document compiled by officials to document the purpose and membership of an astonishing 201 voluntary agreements between the 13 municipalities. Prescribed services are delivered either by municipal staff or private contractors. Each municipality can decide if and where to participate, and whether to commit funding, staff or facilities to a common cause. And of course each of these arrangements requires unique formal agreements, membership, funding formulas, committees, commissions and staff resources. (read more)
Is smaller better? Observations from one Oak Bay resident
June 22, 2016
The following comments were sent by an Oak Bay resident:
"So the anti-amalgamators claim that smaller is better in the realm of municipal governance. Are resources used more effectively in smaller municipalities? Here are a couple of recent observations we have experienced in the past few weeks: (read more)
Casino Wars: Bring us your addicted...your impoverished. But only to View Royal, please.
June 17, 2016
A recent commentary in the Times Colonist aimed to quash a move by the BC Lottery Corporation to establish a second casino in the Greater Victoria area, possibly Saanich or Victoria. Where does one begin to examine the contradictions contained in the commentary? The former View Royal mayor describes casino gambling as "the siphoning of family assets and the feeding of addictions”, and many would agree. Read more.
A Critique of the Fraser Institute report Governing Greater Victoria
Read the critique
May 13, 2016
A second casino for Greater Victoria?
May 1, 2016
When the Great Canadian Casino was initially looking for a new site in Greater Victoria several years ago, both Saanich and Victoria declined to host the facility and so the Casino went to View Royal. But now, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is proposing a second casino for Greater Victoria...Read more
Esquimalt's sweet deal
April 28, 2016
The Township of Esquimalt is paid a significant annual Federal Government subsidy. In 2014 the municipality received $11.5 million, almost 35% of its total revenues, from the Government of Canada Department of National Defence (DND) in the form of Grants-in-Lieu of taxes. These grants are intended to a compensate a host municipality for municipal services provided to DND facilities. In this instance, it's Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt/Nadan located in Esquimalt. What services does Esquimalt provide to DND in return for the $11.5 million? Read more
Halifax and Victoria: A tale of two cities
John Weaver, Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria
February 2016
Does competition between municipalities in close proximity result in lower taxes?
March 7, 2016
The theory that competition amongst municipalities in close proximity results in lower taxes doesn't hold up in the Capital Region. Read more.
Halifax and Greater Victoria: At a glance
March 2, 2016
Have you ever wondered how our provincial capital city matches up with our eastern counterpart, Halifax? Have a quick look at how services in two provincial capitals stack up. This chart provides an inkling of what we do, and how we compare with Halifax.
Read more.
Could your 9-1-1 call get lost in the shuffle?
January 29, 2016
A recent announcement confirms funding of $13 million for a very necessary upgrade to the inter-municipal CREST radio system used by first responders to police, fire and emergency services so they can communicate with each other. But the job is only half done. Read more.
August 15, 2016
Part 1:
Two recent documents, one from the Capital Region District (CRD) and another compiled by officials from our 13 municipalities provide a lengthy and detailed overview of over 350 Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) agreements in the region. Advocates such as retired academic Bob Bish and some municipal mayors trumpet that the existence of these “voluntary cooperative partnerships” between the various municipalities is evidence that the current model of local and regional governance is working well and major reform is not needed. (read more)
Part 2:
In Part 2 we review a revealing 22 page document compiled by officials to document the purpose and membership of an astonishing 201 voluntary agreements between the 13 municipalities. Prescribed services are delivered either by municipal staff or private contractors. Each municipality can decide if and where to participate, and whether to commit funding, staff or facilities to a common cause. And of course each of these arrangements requires unique formal agreements, membership, funding formulas, committees, commissions and staff resources. (read more)
Is smaller better? Observations from one Oak Bay resident
June 22, 2016
The following comments were sent by an Oak Bay resident:
"So the anti-amalgamators claim that smaller is better in the realm of municipal governance. Are resources used more effectively in smaller municipalities? Here are a couple of recent observations we have experienced in the past few weeks: (read more)
Casino Wars: Bring us your addicted...your impoverished. But only to View Royal, please.
June 17, 2016
A recent commentary in the Times Colonist aimed to quash a move by the BC Lottery Corporation to establish a second casino in the Greater Victoria area, possibly Saanich or Victoria. Where does one begin to examine the contradictions contained in the commentary? The former View Royal mayor describes casino gambling as "the siphoning of family assets and the feeding of addictions”, and many would agree. Read more.
A Critique of the Fraser Institute report Governing Greater Victoria
Read the critique
May 13, 2016
A second casino for Greater Victoria?
May 1, 2016
When the Great Canadian Casino was initially looking for a new site in Greater Victoria several years ago, both Saanich and Victoria declined to host the facility and so the Casino went to View Royal. But now, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is proposing a second casino for Greater Victoria...Read more
Esquimalt's sweet deal
April 28, 2016
The Township of Esquimalt is paid a significant annual Federal Government subsidy. In 2014 the municipality received $11.5 million, almost 35% of its total revenues, from the Government of Canada Department of National Defence (DND) in the form of Grants-in-Lieu of taxes. These grants are intended to a compensate a host municipality for municipal services provided to DND facilities. In this instance, it's Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt/Nadan located in Esquimalt. What services does Esquimalt provide to DND in return for the $11.5 million? Read more
Halifax and Victoria: A tale of two cities
John Weaver, Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria
February 2016
Does competition between municipalities in close proximity result in lower taxes?
March 7, 2016
The theory that competition amongst municipalities in close proximity results in lower taxes doesn't hold up in the Capital Region. Read more.
Halifax and Greater Victoria: At a glance
March 2, 2016
Have you ever wondered how our provincial capital city matches up with our eastern counterpart, Halifax? Have a quick look at how services in two provincial capitals stack up. This chart provides an inkling of what we do, and how we compare with Halifax.
Read more.
Could your 9-1-1 call get lost in the shuffle?
January 29, 2016
A recent announcement confirms funding of $13 million for a very necessary upgrade to the inter-municipal CREST radio system used by first responders to police, fire and emergency services so they can communicate with each other. But the job is only half done. Read more.
Municipal transparency and council renumeration
January 11, 2016
One might assume that larger municipalities are less transparent than smaller municipalities, but that is not always true. Provincial government corporations, including municipalities, are required to provide an annual Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) by June 30 covering the previous year. SOFI reports must include remuneration for each elected official, as well as for all employees with remuneration exceeding $75,000, plus the total amount of expenses paid to each. This is as far as many municipalities go; hence the information is always a year out of date. Read more
One of the most interesting amalgamations in Canadian history!
January 4, 2016
Lloydminster lies astride the Alberta/Saskatchewan border on Highway 16 (the Northern Trans Canada Highway). Its population in 2011 was 27,804. Founded in 1903, it was laid out across the fourth Meridian, in what was then the Northwest Territories. The approximately 2,600 settlers were unaware that Canada was going to create two Provinces, rather than just one, and that the fourth meridian was to become the Provincial boundary. When the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan were created in 1905, Lloydminster was divided between the two Provinces. In 1906, the portion in Alberta incorporated as a village, and in 1907 the portion in Saskatchewan also incorporated as a town. They were established under the municipal laws of their respective provinces. This resulted in one community with two councils, two municipal offices, two fire departments and two administrations. Read more.
What are the polls telling us about Yes?
January 2, 2016
There have been a number of known opinion polls, both formal and informal, dealing with amalgamation-related questions in the Capital Region over the past two years. How do they all line up? Is there anything that local politicians and the Province can learn from these polls? Are there any consistencies in the poll results? Could the people of Greater Victoria be sending an urgent and valid message to the local and provincial government? Read more.
Never has so much been borne by so few: Victoria bears the heaviest load
December 16, 2015
Of all metropolitan areas in Canada, the City of Victoria municipality has the smallest percentage of the regional population at 23.22%. Thus costs of policing, fire suppression, infrastructure, and all costs associated with the metropolitan regional downtown core area, etc. fall on the fewest number of residents. While this doesn’t necessarily equate to ‘tax bases’, it is a good indicator that a disproportionate portion of those costs are paid by Victoria taxpayers. Read more..
The Secondary Sewage Saga: Year 8
December 12, 2015
Another year has passed and the 7 municipalities and 15 CRD Directors that comprise the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee (CALWMC) still have no new plan to replace the old plan still on the books...read more.
Respecting the democratic votes of constituents: District of North Cowichan and City of Duncan agree to study merger implications
November 29, 2015
Greater Victoria isn’t the only region on Vancouver Island where discussions about a governance study are taking place. During the November 2014 municipal elections, the City of Duncan and the District of North Cowichan agreed to place questions on their respective ballots, as follows: Read more
January 11, 2016
One might assume that larger municipalities are less transparent than smaller municipalities, but that is not always true. Provincial government corporations, including municipalities, are required to provide an annual Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) by June 30 covering the previous year. SOFI reports must include remuneration for each elected official, as well as for all employees with remuneration exceeding $75,000, plus the total amount of expenses paid to each. This is as far as many municipalities go; hence the information is always a year out of date. Read more
One of the most interesting amalgamations in Canadian history!
January 4, 2016
Lloydminster lies astride the Alberta/Saskatchewan border on Highway 16 (the Northern Trans Canada Highway). Its population in 2011 was 27,804. Founded in 1903, it was laid out across the fourth Meridian, in what was then the Northwest Territories. The approximately 2,600 settlers were unaware that Canada was going to create two Provinces, rather than just one, and that the fourth meridian was to become the Provincial boundary. When the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan were created in 1905, Lloydminster was divided between the two Provinces. In 1906, the portion in Alberta incorporated as a village, and in 1907 the portion in Saskatchewan also incorporated as a town. They were established under the municipal laws of their respective provinces. This resulted in one community with two councils, two municipal offices, two fire departments and two administrations. Read more.
What are the polls telling us about Yes?
January 2, 2016
There have been a number of known opinion polls, both formal and informal, dealing with amalgamation-related questions in the Capital Region over the past two years. How do they all line up? Is there anything that local politicians and the Province can learn from these polls? Are there any consistencies in the poll results? Could the people of Greater Victoria be sending an urgent and valid message to the local and provincial government? Read more.
Never has so much been borne by so few: Victoria bears the heaviest load
December 16, 2015
Of all metropolitan areas in Canada, the City of Victoria municipality has the smallest percentage of the regional population at 23.22%. Thus costs of policing, fire suppression, infrastructure, and all costs associated with the metropolitan regional downtown core area, etc. fall on the fewest number of residents. While this doesn’t necessarily equate to ‘tax bases’, it is a good indicator that a disproportionate portion of those costs are paid by Victoria taxpayers. Read more..
The Secondary Sewage Saga: Year 8
December 12, 2015
Another year has passed and the 7 municipalities and 15 CRD Directors that comprise the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee (CALWMC) still have no new plan to replace the old plan still on the books...read more.
Respecting the democratic votes of constituents: District of North Cowichan and City of Duncan agree to study merger implications
November 29, 2015
Greater Victoria isn’t the only region on Vancouver Island where discussions about a governance study are taking place. During the November 2014 municipal elections, the City of Duncan and the District of North Cowichan agreed to place questions on their respective ballots, as follows: Read more
Social housing – why aren't costs shared fairly across the region?
November 29, 2015
Recently, the Times Colonist carried the following story about housing for single mothers. Building a facility to provide homes and supports for single mothers is an excellent and very worthy cause. However, the costs for this project should be shared equally across the region, as these single parents come from across in the region. Read more
The Johnson Street Bridge: Justification for a Governance Review
November 25, 2015
Look no further than the Johnson Street Bridge project as an example that all is not well with our current regional governance model. First, there was the debate over whether the current bridge should be seismically upgraded or replaced, and a decision was made to replace it. (That is another story.) Read more.
When will the Province fulfill its commitments for a governance study?
November 17, 2015
Remember this statement by Premier Christy Clark, published in the Times Colonist on December 3, 2014?
November 17, 2015
Remember this statement by Premier Christy Clark, published in the Times Colonist on December 3, 2014?
- Premier Christy Clark, Victoria Times Colonist, December 3, 2014
And what about this statement by Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, published in the Times Colonist on November 18, 2014.
- Minister Coralee Oakes, Victoria Times Colonist, November 18, 2014
Well, It's been a year since voters had a chance to give their opinions on the state of local government and amalgamation in the region. Read more.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES, Part 2: Mayor and council renumeration comparison
November 11, 2015
Saskatoon has almost the same population as the four Greater Victoria core municipalities of Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Saanich and Victoria combined. All civic services are provided under the umbrella of the City of Saskatoon because it is the only significant local government in that region. Saskatoon is simplicity personified. The city council, consisting of one Mayor and 10 Ward Councillors provide oversight and accountability for all of the services that our core municipalities provide here. Read more
A TALE OF TWO CITIES, Part 1: Senior staff renumeration comparison
November 6, 2015
Comparing municipalities can be a tricky business, but some basic comparisons are quite interesting. Let's look at the City of Saskatoon (2011 population 222,189) and the four Greater Victoria core municipalities of Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt and Oak Bay (2011 combined population 224,083). Read more.
November 6, 2015
Comparing municipalities can be a tricky business, but some basic comparisons are quite interesting. Let's look at the City of Saskatoon (2011 population 222,189) and the four Greater Victoria core municipalities of Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt and Oak Bay (2011 combined population 224,083). Read more.
Capital Region District Board 100% Salary Increase
September 12, 2015
It is acknowledged that local elected officials deserve to be fairly paid for work done on our behalf. Having said that, there are three points to be made. Read more.
September 12, 2015
It is acknowledged that local elected officials deserve to be fairly paid for work done on our behalf. Having said that, there are three points to be made. Read more.
Regional Policing: "A No-Brainer"
August 30, 2015
The following is from Conclusions, pages 42-43 of the report "Setting the Stage for Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness - A Review of Victoria Police Department Operations" by Darryl Plecas, Tara Haarhoff, Irwin Cohen, and Kevin Burk, Centre for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Research, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of the Fraser Valley, June 2012:
“All of that said we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the matter of regionalization. Specifically, and although we were not asked to consider this issue, the reality is that Victoria and Esquimalt and their neighboring communities could achieve some significant economies of scale with great long term savings to taxpayers if they were to amalgamate local police departments into a single regional force. Read more.
August 30, 2015
The following is from Conclusions, pages 42-43 of the report "Setting the Stage for Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness - A Review of Victoria Police Department Operations" by Darryl Plecas, Tara Haarhoff, Irwin Cohen, and Kevin Burk, Centre for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Research, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of the Fraser Valley, June 2012:
“All of that said we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the matter of regionalization. Specifically, and although we were not asked to consider this issue, the reality is that Victoria and Esquimalt and their neighboring communities could achieve some significant economies of scale with great long term savings to taxpayers if they were to amalgamate local police departments into a single regional force. Read more.
Greater Victoria: Unique in so many ways!
August 6, 2015
Recently, a Times Colonist Letter to the Editor proclaimed there was nothing unique about (Greater) Victoria governance.
With respect, the writer can be assured that Greater Victoria is unique in many ways. In no other comparable sized regional community of 335,000 in North America are there 91 mayors and councillors overseeing 13 separate local governments -- each municipality with the attendant separate senior staff, policing, fire, emergency response, transportation, planning, bylaws, etc, etc. Read more.