FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (December 17th, 2013)
Amalgamation Yes disappointed by decision of Central Saanich Council not to put an amalgamation question on the November 2014 municipal ballot.
AmalgamationYes made a presentation at Central Saanich Council on December 16th requesting that Central Saanich consider putting a non-binding question on the municipal ballot in the November 2014 municipal election.
After a presentation by Earle Anthony of AmalgamationYes (Capitol Region Municipal Amalgamation Society) and a vigorous debate by council Central Saanich Council took the following action:
Council was told by staff that putting the question on the ballot would cost less than $10k.
Fortunately this may not be the end of the story. Council was told by Mayor Alastair Bryson that the question could be introduced at a later date even if it was defeated at this time. During the discussion Mayor Bryson had indicated that he could see some synergies through amalgamation or integration.
“I am hopeful that Central Saanich will again look at this issue and have the courage to allow the public to vote on this important issue. We need to trust that the public has the knowledge to make an informed decision at the ballot box.” Said Earle Anthony secretary of AmalgamationYes
The non-binging question proposed by AmalgamationYes is “Are you in favour of reducing the number of municipalities in the Capital Regional District through amalgamation?” A positive result would motivate the Province of BC to commission an expert study to compare various municipal amalgamation models against the status quo and trigger community engagement about how we wish to be governed.
Contact Information:
Earle Anthony: Amalgamation Yes 250 592-4831
AmalgamationYes.ca
Amalgamation Yes disappointed by decision of Central Saanich Council not to put an amalgamation question on the November 2014 municipal ballot.
AmalgamationYes made a presentation at Central Saanich Council on December 16th requesting that Central Saanich consider putting a non-binding question on the municipal ballot in the November 2014 municipal election.
After a presentation by Earle Anthony of AmalgamationYes (Capitol Region Municipal Amalgamation Society) and a vigorous debate by council Central Saanich Council took the following action:
- A motion was made and seconded to put a question on amalgamation on the ballot in 2014.
- After some discussion, the main motion was amended to say Central Saanich put a question if North Saanich and Sidney also put a question on the ballot in 2014. That motion was approved 4-3
- The amended motion was then defeated 4-3.
Council was told by staff that putting the question on the ballot would cost less than $10k.
Fortunately this may not be the end of the story. Council was told by Mayor Alastair Bryson that the question could be introduced at a later date even if it was defeated at this time. During the discussion Mayor Bryson had indicated that he could see some synergies through amalgamation or integration.
“I am hopeful that Central Saanich will again look at this issue and have the courage to allow the public to vote on this important issue. We need to trust that the public has the knowledge to make an informed decision at the ballot box.” Said Earle Anthony secretary of AmalgamationYes
The non-binging question proposed by AmalgamationYes is “Are you in favour of reducing the number of municipalities in the Capital Regional District through amalgamation?” A positive result would motivate the Province of BC to commission an expert study to compare various municipal amalgamation models against the status quo and trigger community engagement about how we wish to be governed.
Contact Information:
Earle Anthony: Amalgamation Yes 250 592-4831
AmalgamationYes.ca
