Hamilton region shows the way for capital
Times Colonist Letters
November 18, 2014
I lived for decades in Stoney Creek, Ont., adjacent to the city of Hamilton. Over that time there were considerable changes to the structure of civic government.
Surrounding Hamilton were several smaller communities with seamless transition from one to the next, much like Greater Victoria. Things were complicated; transit, emergency services, bylaws and even the quality of roads was inconsistent.
To correct this, an extra “regional” government was implemented, additional to the governance of each separate community.
While some difficulties were corrected, the structure eventually proved unwieldy, and finally there was complete amalgamation.
Things vastly improved, although it took time to bring consistency to everyone. Taxes were based upon the services received (our taxes decreased), with changes phased in over many years. The area used a ward system. Electors at large selected the mayor, then a councillor for their neighbourhood.
This was “your person” and individual concerns were handled by your representative. Committees were a combination of councillors and members of the public.
Each of the smaller communities retained its name, its downtown area, its special events, its unique identity. But they were now part of a greater whole. My tax dollars supported my neighbourhood as well as the other side of the city.
I was happy with this, as the entire region was my home and I was pleased to contribute to its well-being.
Greater Victoria is a marvellous place with wonderful communities, and I feel a thoughtful amalgamation would make it a better home for us all.
Louise Froggett
Victoria
Times Colonist Letters
November 18, 2014
I lived for decades in Stoney Creek, Ont., adjacent to the city of Hamilton. Over that time there were considerable changes to the structure of civic government.
Surrounding Hamilton were several smaller communities with seamless transition from one to the next, much like Greater Victoria. Things were complicated; transit, emergency services, bylaws and even the quality of roads was inconsistent.
To correct this, an extra “regional” government was implemented, additional to the governance of each separate community.
While some difficulties were corrected, the structure eventually proved unwieldy, and finally there was complete amalgamation.
Things vastly improved, although it took time to bring consistency to everyone. Taxes were based upon the services received (our taxes decreased), with changes phased in over many years. The area used a ward system. Electors at large selected the mayor, then a councillor for their neighbourhood.
This was “your person” and individual concerns were handled by your representative. Committees were a combination of councillors and members of the public.
Each of the smaller communities retained its name, its downtown area, its special events, its unique identity. But they were now part of a greater whole. My tax dollars supported my neighbourhood as well as the other side of the city.
I was happy with this, as the entire region was my home and I was pleased to contribute to its well-being.
Greater Victoria is a marvellous place with wonderful communities, and I feel a thoughtful amalgamation would make it a better home for us all.
Louise Froggett
Victoria
