We need to think more regionally
Times Colonist,
June 19, 2014
Re: “Amalgamation a local issue,” editorial, June 17.
I am glad my city council has put a non-binding amalgamation question on the ballot. I will be voting yes to support further research and analysis of new governance models for the capital region. I agree that the province should not force other municipalities to put this question on the municipal election ballot, though it is disappointing that all voters will not have the opportunity to express their views.
The provincial government has a key role to play in helping our region deliver more effective services. The 1994 Oppal report called for regional policing for the south Island, and despite subsequent government promises, we have not seen provincial leadership on integrating our fragmented police service.
The 2001 B.C. Liberal platform called for establishing regional transportation authorities across the province. Thirteen years later, the Capital Regional District continues to beg the minister of transportation and infrastructure for pennies from the gas tax to fund much-needed public-transit improvements. A robust regional transportation authority could help reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions and ensure our land-use and transportation planning are aligned.
While amalgamation is not likely in the near future, we can have a safer, greener CRD by moving to regional police and transportation services. Crime doesn’t respect municipal boundaries, and transit riders don’t notice when they cross from Victoria to Esquimalt or Oak Bay. We need to think more regionally to deliver the service taxpayers expect and deserve from their municipal governments.
Erik Kaye
Victoria
© Copyright Times Colonist
Times Colonist,
June 19, 2014
Re: “Amalgamation a local issue,” editorial, June 17.
I am glad my city council has put a non-binding amalgamation question on the ballot. I will be voting yes to support further research and analysis of new governance models for the capital region. I agree that the province should not force other municipalities to put this question on the municipal election ballot, though it is disappointing that all voters will not have the opportunity to express their views.
The provincial government has a key role to play in helping our region deliver more effective services. The 1994 Oppal report called for regional policing for the south Island, and despite subsequent government promises, we have not seen provincial leadership on integrating our fragmented police service.
The 2001 B.C. Liberal platform called for establishing regional transportation authorities across the province. Thirteen years later, the Capital Regional District continues to beg the minister of transportation and infrastructure for pennies from the gas tax to fund much-needed public-transit improvements. A robust regional transportation authority could help reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions and ensure our land-use and transportation planning are aligned.
While amalgamation is not likely in the near future, we can have a safer, greener CRD by moving to regional police and transportation services. Crime doesn’t respect municipal boundaries, and transit riders don’t notice when they cross from Victoria to Esquimalt or Oak Bay. We need to think more regionally to deliver the service taxpayers expect and deserve from their municipal governments.
Erik Kaye
Victoria
© Copyright Times Colonist
