Saanich, Oak Bay take amalgamation talks slowly
Times Colonist
May 27, 2015
Saanich is taking a wait-and-see approach on amalgamation, while Oak Bay wants to have all the players at the table before making any decisions.
With the provincial government about to launch a study of amalgamation in the capital region, Saanich and Oak Bay were asked to consider sending a letter expressing willingness to participate.
Oak Bay deferred consideration of the question because Coun. Tara Ney is out of the country, Mayor Nils Jensen said.
“It’s a tradition that we have: If it’s something important, we want to run with all seven [council members present],” Jensen said.
In Saanich, councillors decided to write Community Minister Coralee Oakes indicating their willingness to participate, at least in principle. But before they agree in practice, they want more information — and to hear from residents.
Eight municipalities held votes on amalgamation during local elections in November.
Questions varied, but a majority of voters in seven municipalities — Langford, Saanich, Victoria, Esquimalt, Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney — supported further study or movement toward amalgamation. Only Oak Bay voters rejected it.
Colwood, Metchosin, View Royal, Highlands and Sooke did not put a question on the ballot.
Even though more than 88 per cent of Saanich residents who voted ticked “Yes,” council is unsure how to proceed, said Saanich Coun. Colin Plant, since the ballot question didn’t use the word amalgamation, but instead asked about governance and partnerships.
Nevertheless, Plant said anyone interested in the amalgamation issue can take some satisfaction that movement has occurred — even if it’s only a small budge.
“Saying they actually agree in principle is a major step for this council based on the question posed back in November,” he said.
Jensen said he also believes it would be premature to ask for an amalgamation study without first seeing what is being proposed.
“Until we know what’s going to be studied and how it’s going to be conducted and the terms of reference, how could we say that we want to be involved?”
© Copyright Times Colonist
- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/saanich-oak-bay-take-amalgamation-talks-slowly-1.1948033#sthash.s1kgP4L9.dpuf
Times Colonist
May 27, 2015
Saanich is taking a wait-and-see approach on amalgamation, while Oak Bay wants to have all the players at the table before making any decisions.
With the provincial government about to launch a study of amalgamation in the capital region, Saanich and Oak Bay were asked to consider sending a letter expressing willingness to participate.
Oak Bay deferred consideration of the question because Coun. Tara Ney is out of the country, Mayor Nils Jensen said.
“It’s a tradition that we have: If it’s something important, we want to run with all seven [council members present],” Jensen said.
In Saanich, councillors decided to write Community Minister Coralee Oakes indicating their willingness to participate, at least in principle. But before they agree in practice, they want more information — and to hear from residents.
Eight municipalities held votes on amalgamation during local elections in November.
Questions varied, but a majority of voters in seven municipalities — Langford, Saanich, Victoria, Esquimalt, Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney — supported further study or movement toward amalgamation. Only Oak Bay voters rejected it.
Colwood, Metchosin, View Royal, Highlands and Sooke did not put a question on the ballot.
Even though more than 88 per cent of Saanich residents who voted ticked “Yes,” council is unsure how to proceed, said Saanich Coun. Colin Plant, since the ballot question didn’t use the word amalgamation, but instead asked about governance and partnerships.
Nevertheless, Plant said anyone interested in the amalgamation issue can take some satisfaction that movement has occurred — even if it’s only a small budge.
“Saying they actually agree in principle is a major step for this council based on the question posed back in November,” he said.
Jensen said he also believes it would be premature to ask for an amalgamation study without first seeing what is being proposed.
“Until we know what’s going to be studied and how it’s going to be conducted and the terms of reference, how could we say that we want to be involved?”
© Copyright Times Colonist
- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/saanich-oak-bay-take-amalgamation-talks-slowly-1.1948033#sthash.s1kgP4L9.dpuf
