FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (August 19, 2016)

Amalgamation Yes makes recommendations to Province of BC for improved local governance in Greater Victoria

In June 2016, the Province of BC created the Capital Integrated Services and Governance Initiative to review the many existing governance arrangements in Greater Victoria.
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Amalgamation Yes has identified major priority areas not effectively dealt with by the current system which can only be addressed through structural changes in governance for the region. These include transportation, policing, fire protection, emergency preparedness, regional planning, infrastructure renewal, grants in lieu of taxes (revenue sharing), and national influence, among others.

“A critical component of the problems facing the region is the shocking proliferation of hundreds of Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) agreements between the CRD and municipalities that contribute to the complexity and chaos surrounding basic services to our citizens.

“How can residents even begin to unravel the convoluted and costly overburden of this bureaucratic nightmare when few elected officials are able to do so?” said Tony Heemskerk.“Even as we speak, some municipalities will not renew these agreements, such as Victoria's refusal to provide extra fire protection services to other municipalities free of charge. This is the classic free-rider principle and it's not surprising that many are balking.”

Amalgamation Yes continues to advocate for a comprehensive governance study in Greater Victoria to fulfill the mandate provided by the electorate in 2014, and the subsequent promise of the BC Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and the Premier.

Contact Information:
Tony Heemskerk Chair
Amalgamation Yes
Tel: 250.818.4977
www.amalgamationyes.ca
[email protected]

Backgrounder:
1. Towards Improved Governance in Greater Victoria
2. We Need More Accountable and Responsible Government, Not More ISDs
3. Integrated Service Delivery Agreements