FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (February 14, 2015)
Amalgamation Yes releases guidelines and calls on municipalities to cooperate with Provincially-led amalgamation study
Amalgamation Yes has provided all municipalities and the Province with proposed guidelines for a Provincial study on governance in the Capital region and is asking all municipalities to cooperate in a provincially led study.
In November, 75% of the Greater Victoria electorate approved various non-binding questions signaling overwhelming support for a governance review for the 13 municipalities in the Capital Region District. Immediately following the election, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Oakes confirmed the availability of staff and resources to examine governance structures.
“The Province is assuming the leadership role to facilitate the process, and is anticipating municipal cooperation. The residents of Greater Victoria have high expectations that work will commence without delay.” stated Tony Heemskerk spokesperson for Amalgamation Yes.
“We are pleased that Victoria on February 12th endorsed our guidelines with minor amendments and will be asking the Province to commence a study on regional governance.” Said Tony Heemskerk. “We are hopeful other municipalities will follow so the Province can begin the process of leading an independent services review, consistent with the mandate from their residents.”
On February 10th Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney discussed a governance study at their tri-municipal council meeting and agreed to pursue individual council motions to seek funding from the Province to conduct a study. “We encourage them to consider our guidelines and request the Province to lead the study as endorsed by 2/3 of their residents in November.”
"We understand that a series of citizen-led events are underway to provide a forum for community input with the first scheduled for February 24th at SJ Willis.” added Heemskerk.
Contact Information:
Tony Heemskerk: AmalgamationYes, Chair and Spokesperson, 250-595-5177,
AmalgamationYes.ca
Backgrounder
CAPITAL REGION AMALGAMATION STUDY GUIDELINES
Amalgamation Yes releases guidelines and calls on municipalities to cooperate with Provincially-led amalgamation study
Amalgamation Yes has provided all municipalities and the Province with proposed guidelines for a Provincial study on governance in the Capital region and is asking all municipalities to cooperate in a provincially led study.
In November, 75% of the Greater Victoria electorate approved various non-binding questions signaling overwhelming support for a governance review for the 13 municipalities in the Capital Region District. Immediately following the election, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Oakes confirmed the availability of staff and resources to examine governance structures.
“The Province is assuming the leadership role to facilitate the process, and is anticipating municipal cooperation. The residents of Greater Victoria have high expectations that work will commence without delay.” stated Tony Heemskerk spokesperson for Amalgamation Yes.
“We are pleased that Victoria on February 12th endorsed our guidelines with minor amendments and will be asking the Province to commence a study on regional governance.” Said Tony Heemskerk. “We are hopeful other municipalities will follow so the Province can begin the process of leading an independent services review, consistent with the mandate from their residents.”
On February 10th Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney discussed a governance study at their tri-municipal council meeting and agreed to pursue individual council motions to seek funding from the Province to conduct a study. “We encourage them to consider our guidelines and request the Province to lead the study as endorsed by 2/3 of their residents in November.”
"We understand that a series of citizen-led events are underway to provide a forum for community input with the first scheduled for February 24th at SJ Willis.” added Heemskerk.
Contact Information:
Tony Heemskerk: AmalgamationYes, Chair and Spokesperson, 250-595-5177,
AmalgamationYes.ca
Backgrounder
CAPITAL REGION AMALGAMATION STUDY GUIDELINES
- The study team must report to the Minister and must be instructed to carry out its task in a timely manner.
- The study must be inclusive and engage all the municipal agencies in the Capital Region and the First Nations.
- The study must examine the existing municipal structure (including the CRD) in the Capital Region and recommend changes to achieve good municipal governance across the region, including efficiency, effectiveness and accountability
- The study process must include opportunities for the public to interface with the study team during the preparation of the report.
- The study must consider at least three options for municipal boundaries in the Capital Region.
- When evaluating each option, consideration must be given to providing consideration of commercial, urban, residential and rural interests.
- The study must evaluate the economic, social and environmental merits of each option.
- The study must include a plan for public meetings to discuss the recommendations of the report.
- The study must prescribe timelines for implementation of the study.
- The study must identify implementation issues that need to be resolved
