FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (November 16th, 2014)
Historic election with historic results. Large majority of voters support amalgamation study!
The electorate has approved a non-binding question on amalgamation in 7 of 8 municipalities, calling for public consultation and a provincial study on amalgamation and regional governance. Of those municipalities with questions, 75% of the 80,000 who cast ballots voted in favour of a study.
The 8 municipalities with some type of non-binding question on the ballot to review governance in the region were North Saanich, Oak Bay, Central Saanich, Langford, Esquimalt, Victoria, Sidney and Saanich. These municipalities, representing over 86% of region’s population, opted to hear residents’ voices on this important issue. The remaining 5 municipalities of View Royal, Colwood, Highlands, Metchosin and Sooke, with 46,000 population, refused to place a non-binding question on the ballot.
“Indications from the Angus Reid Poll on amalgamation and our public engagement told us we could anticipate a very positive result and that is exactly what happened”, said John Vickers spokesperson for AmalgamationYes. “Throughout the whole process so many elected officials kept telling us amalgamation wasn’t an issue that mattered in their community. It’s nice to see the voting public set the record straight.”
Mayors and councils will now need to engage the Province to develop a mechanism and process for public consultation and study so that the cost/benefits of various models of governance can be explored. Once determined, a binding referendum on amalgamation is anticipated in the upcoming municipal election in four years time.
“We extend our congratulations to all the elected mayors and councilors who will lead their communities. Congratulations to candidates Barbara Desjardins, Lisa Helps and Richard Atwell, and all those who came out strongly in support of public consultation and a provincial study on amalgamation,” stated John Vickers “We will expect them to follow through on their promises and lead the region in exploring this important issue.”
In an October 8th press release Minister Oakes confirmed the availability of staff and resources to examine governance structures after the election results.
“The electorate has spoken and now is the time for action. Amalgamation Yes is expecting that local officials will move forward with the governance review in the near future and will be asking the Province to take a leadership role in facilitating the process,” added John Vickers. “Unbiased, objective studies conducted by the Province will provide the best quality information to residents.”
Amalgamation Yes will continue to engage the public and elected officials as we move forward on this important issue.
Contact Information
John Vickers: AmalgamationYes, Vice Chair and Spokesperson, 250-661-5350
www.amalgamationyes.ca
Historic election with historic results. Large majority of voters support amalgamation study!
The electorate has approved a non-binding question on amalgamation in 7 of 8 municipalities, calling for public consultation and a provincial study on amalgamation and regional governance. Of those municipalities with questions, 75% of the 80,000 who cast ballots voted in favour of a study.
The 8 municipalities with some type of non-binding question on the ballot to review governance in the region were North Saanich, Oak Bay, Central Saanich, Langford, Esquimalt, Victoria, Sidney and Saanich. These municipalities, representing over 86% of region’s population, opted to hear residents’ voices on this important issue. The remaining 5 municipalities of View Royal, Colwood, Highlands, Metchosin and Sooke, with 46,000 population, refused to place a non-binding question on the ballot.
“Indications from the Angus Reid Poll on amalgamation and our public engagement told us we could anticipate a very positive result and that is exactly what happened”, said John Vickers spokesperson for AmalgamationYes. “Throughout the whole process so many elected officials kept telling us amalgamation wasn’t an issue that mattered in their community. It’s nice to see the voting public set the record straight.”
Mayors and councils will now need to engage the Province to develop a mechanism and process for public consultation and study so that the cost/benefits of various models of governance can be explored. Once determined, a binding referendum on amalgamation is anticipated in the upcoming municipal election in four years time.
“We extend our congratulations to all the elected mayors and councilors who will lead their communities. Congratulations to candidates Barbara Desjardins, Lisa Helps and Richard Atwell, and all those who came out strongly in support of public consultation and a provincial study on amalgamation,” stated John Vickers “We will expect them to follow through on their promises and lead the region in exploring this important issue.”
In an October 8th press release Minister Oakes confirmed the availability of staff and resources to examine governance structures after the election results.
“The electorate has spoken and now is the time for action. Amalgamation Yes is expecting that local officials will move forward with the governance review in the near future and will be asking the Province to take a leadership role in facilitating the process,” added John Vickers. “Unbiased, objective studies conducted by the Province will provide the best quality information to residents.”
Amalgamation Yes will continue to engage the public and elected officials as we move forward on this important issue.
Contact Information
John Vickers: AmalgamationYes, Vice Chair and Spokesperson, 250-661-5350
www.amalgamationyes.ca
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