FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 16, 2015)

Saanich drafting letter to participate in Provincially-led amalgamation study


Saanich Council on June 15th after public input will be drafting a letter to send to the Province to participate in a governance study for the Capital Region. Council has agreed to participate in principle subject to considering the terms of reference and will be drafting a letter for Mayor and council approval in the next few weeks.

In November, 75% of the Greater Victoria electorate approved various non-binding questions signaling overwhelming support for studying levels of amalgamation 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. Minister Oakes has also confirmed that she has been waiting to hear from Municipalities so that the study can commence.

“We are pleased that the largest municipality in the region has chosen to participate. Their citizens deserve to be part of the study to see what is the best governance structure for the region.” stated John Vickers spokesperson for Amalgamation Yes

Victoria, Esquimalt, Colwood, North Saanich, Central Saanich, Sidney, Metchosin have written to the Minister with Langford indicating their intent to do so. Oak Bay will be tabling a motion to join the regional study at an upcoming Council meeting.

“Hopefully Oak Bay, View Royal, Sooke and the Highlands will also join in the conversation so that a thorough and comprehensive governance/amalgamtion study can be done, added Vickers.

Contact Information:

John Vickers: AmalgamationYes, Vice Chair and Spokesperson, 250-661-5350
AmalgamationYes.ca