Archive for November 2015
Minister Fassbender sends invite to local mayors
November 16, 2015 | 
Author by Roger Stonebanks, citizen journalist
Community Minister Peter Fassbender has invited Greater Victoria mayors to meet him “on the topic of service and governance integration in the Capital region” later in November/early December.
Significantly, in a letter dated Nov. 5 to area mayors that was made public today (Nov. 16), there is no mention of “amalgamation” or a study of it.
Fassbender has already met area mayors and councillors at the Union of BC Municipalities last September. The previous community minister, Coralee Oakes, met local leaders in Victoria last summer.
“While individual interests and perspectives are diverse, there have been shared views on the common thread from the 2014 referenda results – namely, that there may be benefit to the region from local governments exploring further the question of how to better integrate services and governance,” Fassbender said in his letter.
“I know that informing the public and others about the current governance and services profile of the Capital region will be of continuing interest to many of you, especially respecting the number of services already undertaken in a shared or integrated way.
“Recognizing the range of ideas we have heard, I propose that we continue our conversation, with all local governments at the table, to consider how the region might wish to move forward and how the Province of British Columbia could support these efforts.”
Fassbender invited the mayors to the meeting and ” . . . we will build in future opportunities to engage your Councillors and Chief Administrative Officers.” He hoped that “you find this a reasonable path forward.”
Fassbender will speak Nov. 17 to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce about “CRD Governance – the way forward.”
For the most recent news stories by Saanich Voice Online, see Facts are Sacred (Nov. 7) and Amalgamation Revisioning? (Nov.2).
UPDATE: Here a recording of the Minister’s Nov 17th speaking event.
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Posted in Community News | 
Tags: amalgamation, capital region, chamber of commerce, community, fassbender, governance, local | 
1 Comment »
New National Press Council
by Roger Stonebanks, citizen journalist
Got a complaint about your local paper? There now is a new, national, press council that replaces provincial press councils including the BC Press Council – it’s the National NewsMedia Council.
But first – you must make your complaint to the newspaper.
The council is a voluntary, self-regulating body of the news media in Canada. It considers specific unsatisfied complaints made by the public involving print and online media. Complaints involve journalistic practices and proper ethical standards.
John Fraser, journalist, author, editor and immediate past master of Massey College in the University of Toronto, is the inaugural president and chief executive officer of the council. He said his first task is to assure that the new council will strengthen media commitment to a fair and just accounting of media practices.
“Newspapers and magazines serve the public and it is the public, first and foremost, who need to have confidence that this industry-supported agency is working to protect its best interests,” he said.
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“At the same time, the news media industry is in tremendous transition and we have an important role to play in assuring that this transition includes the very best standards of journalism.”
For more information about the council, which includes Black Press and Glacier Media which own the papers in Victoria, check out these sources: National NewsMedia Council; Newspapers Canada; comment by Sylvia Stead, public editor of The Globe and Mail; Press Councils and Democracy
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Facts are Sacred
by Roger Stonebanks, citizen journalist
There seems to be a renewed commentary about just what we did – and didn’t – vote on when different questions about amalgamation/governance were asked in the Nov. 15, 2014, municipal elections in Greater Victoria. To refresh our memories – here are the facts – the questions that were asked and the results of the referendums in eight municipalities:
SIDNEY — “Are you in favour of a provincially funded study to investigate the feasibility, costs and implications of amalgamating the three municipalities of the Saanich Peninsula?” YES – 2,566; NO – 1,232; eligible voters – 9,100.
NORTH SAANICH — “Are you in favour of a study, provincially funded, to investigate the feasibility, costs and implications of amalgamating the three municipalities on the Saanich Peninsula of Sidney, Central Saanich and North Saanich?” YES – 2,881; NO – 1,727; eligible voters – 9,055.
CENTRAL SAANICH — “Should the District of Central Saanich petition the Province to fund a cost/benefit analysis of an amalgamation of Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney?” YES – 3,588; NO – 1,489; eligible voters 14,242.
SAANICH — “Do you support Council initiating a community-based review of the governance structure and policies within Saanich and our partnerships within the Region?” YES – 21,437; NO – 2,780; eligible voters – 80,986.
VICTORIA — “Are you in favour of reducing the number of municipalities in Greater Victoria through amalgamation?” YES – 18,351; NO – 4,601; eligible voters 69,624.
OAK BAY — “Are you in favour of the District of Oak Bay being amalgamated into a larger regional municipality?” YES – 2,184; NO – 3,594; eligible voters – 14,107.
ESQUIMALT — two referendums were presented, (1) “Are you in favour of the Township of Esquimalt exploring options to achieve efficiencies by further sharing some services with other municipalities?” YES – 3,731; NO – 578; eligible voters 14,545. (2) “Are you in favour of exploring the reduction of the number of municipalities within Greater Victoria through amalgamation?” YES – 2,905; NO – 1,404; eligible voters – 14,545.
LANGFORD — “Are you in favour of the City of Langford being amalgamated into a larger regional municipality?” YES – 2,222; NO – 2,209; eligible voters 23,864.
View Royal, Highlands, Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke — councils did not hold referendums. Eligible voters – 34,505.
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Posted in Community News | Tags: amalgamation, central saanich, esquilmalt, governance, north saanich, Oak Bay, saanich, sidney, victoria | No Comments »
Amalgamation Revisioning?
Blue Skies May be Clouding Over for the Pro-amalgamates in #YYJ
by Roger Stonebanks, citizen reporter
Peter Fassbender, the new minister for Community, Sport and Cultural Development, will outline current BC government thinking on amalgamation and governance in a luncheon speech to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 17.
If recent indications stand up, he may not share the same ‘blue sky vision’ for amalgamating the Capital region as his predecessor, Coralee Oakes, expressed last March to a BC Liberal Party meeting in Victoria.
While the Chamber has long been a proponent of amalgamating the region, the A-word is missing from the chamber’s recent lunch invitation – “Hear Minister Fassbender speak on CRD governance – the way forward!”
The A-word was also missing when Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen gave a newspaper interview about his meeting with Fassbender at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in September — “A-word off the radar for province,” the Oak Bay News reported.
Still, when Premier Clark replaced Oakes with Fassbender last July, the written mandate to Oakes was renewed unchanged to Fassbender with the A-word along with the alternative “integrate service delivery” – “Develop and present options to Cabinet on potential processes under which local governments could either amalgamate or integrate service delivery by June 30, 2016.”
Mayor Jensen told the Oak Bay News that he, Coun. Tom Croft and Chief Administrative Officer, Helen Koning, had “an open and frank discussion and certainly what I thought was quite different was the tone being set by Minister Fassbender around the whole question of amalgamation. The position that was very clearly articulated was that this government will follow the law and not change the law that says no municipality will be forced into amalgamation. He also said there would not be any studies done with a focus on amalgamation, but
his ministry was very much open to facilitating conversations about local governments working together efficiently and effectively.”
Jensen does not foresee the province “launching into any study of any kind with respect to the Capital Regional District. I think they see themselves more as a facilitator.”
Esquimalt Coun. Beth Burton-Krahn said the published commentary “certainly lines up with what Minister Fassbender said at the UBCM forum on Strong Communities” when he was asked about governance in Greater Victoria.
Burton-Krahn reported on the Facebook Page, Local Governance Talks 2.0, a page which she moderates, that Fassbender commented, “There is not a common point of view across the region – there are a variety of perspectives out of the referendum [in eight of 13 municipalities in Greater Victoria last November] and that current government policy – in fact legislation – means he will not force communities to do anything and that the government will not force anything.” He added that, “his staff will help facilitate any discussions with communities that wish to seriously explore options but he would not lead it, he would not lead
discussions.”
Meanwhile, Saanich is pressing ahead with its own governance review that voters approved last November in a referendum question that avoided the word amalgamation: ”Do you support Council initiating a community-based review of the governance structure and policies within Saanich and our partnerships within the Region?”
Saanich is seeking 13 Saanich residents to serve on its Governance Review Citizens Advisory Committee. (Application can be downloaded HERE). The committee members will be recommended to council by a focus group comprised of representatives of Saanich Advisory Committees plus two members of the Saanich Community Assoc. Network.
“All Saanich residents with an interest in this important topic are encouraged to submit an application. Council is committed to seek diversity – young adults, young parents, seniors, homeowners, renters, newcomers, long-time Saanich residents and taxpayers,” Saanich said in a press release.
The written application deadline is Nov. 20 and the committee will start work in January. Successful applicants must be prepared for a minimum 18-month commitment. All committee meetings will be open to the public.
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For earlier news stories about amalgamation/governance, enter “amalgamation” in the search function
Posted in Community News | Tags: aanich Advisory Committees, amalgamation, Amalgamation Yes, BC Liberal Party, coralee, fassbender, Governance Review Citizens Advisory Committee, Oak Bay, oakes, saanich | No Comments »
Councillors Report-out at the One-year Mark
by Michele Murphy
During the 2014 municipal election campaign, Saanich Voice Online (SVO) asked all candidates in Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney to tell us, in 60 words or less, what they would like to have accomplished in their elected post by Nov 15, 2015, June 1, 2017, and October 1, 2018. We received responses from many, but not all, of the candidates.
We’ve opened the time capsule and asked the original respondents – those who were elected – to report back on their accomplishments so far.
Here’s what some of them had to say …
Alicia Cormier
Councillor, Central Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
By Nov 2015, Council and the community is celebrating a successful first year of the new Economic Development Advisory Committee and approving its mandate as an ongoing committee. The success includes the Agricultural Area Plan (Agri/Culinary Tourism) and tangible improvements for all businesses in Saanichton, Brentwood Bay, Keating, First Nations, as well as home based businesses.
Reporting back in 2015:
The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) is underway with a mandate to advise and assist Council in pursuing the formation of an economic development function for the municipality and to concurrently advise and assist Council in carrying out the corporation’s strategic plan.
Membership includes a cross-section of businesses, community associations and residents from all parts of the District. We are completing a survey to identify local needs and I will be reporting to Council on progress in the near future.
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Christopher Graham
Councillor, Central Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
Implement bylaw changes to foster Keating Revitalization, including a comprehensive bylaw review of Keating Business Park to make redevelopment faster and easier and allowing live work force housing over businesses. Begin in depth discussion with the Province to find feasible solutions to traffic safety on and off the highway. Develop infill guidelines to allow infill development that compliments existing neighbourhoods.
Reporting back in 2015:
We are mostly on track. My biggest accomplishment was the RGS, and council’s change of direction re-affirming the existing urban containment boundary. Council is moving ahead with a Keating ‘Business Plan’ to update the land-use bylaws. That is in the strategic plan and going to tender. Council has a commitment to look at infill guidelines. Hopefully we will be looking at that this coming year.
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Carl I. Jensen,
Councillor, Central Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
I will be working with all community groups on the development of a walkability master-plan that will create safe passage between all areas of Central Saanich. By this point I would like to see the plan completed laying out a priority list of roadside trails/paths scheduled for upgrade annually over the next 5-10 years.
Reporting back in 2015:
The Multi-Modal Transportation Project list for Central Saanich has been established, and we recently completed the first project: a bicycle lane on Wallace Drive from Prosser to Blossom Park. The second project that the District will be proceeding with in the future is the multi-use train on Stelly’s Cross Road from the Western Terminus (Tsartlip) to West Saanich Road.
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Niall Paltiel
Councillor, Central Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
I will grow my understanding of the processes and establish a new voice at the Council table. I will investigate the delivery of a more user-friendly municipal website as a measure to improve public outreach. I will also review our infrastructure, sidewalk, and traffic priorities to ensure a common sense and low-cost delivery.
Reporting back in 2015:
I am pleased that I have delivered on my November 2015 Goals for Central Saanich Council. I am growing in my role while working with our communications committee to deliver a new website that should be fully launched in 2016. Further, I have successfully advocated that Council add transportation, mobility and infrastructure projects to our strategic priorities over the next four years.
Susan Brice
Councillor, Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
After an affirmative vote on the ballot question* we are well underway with an open communityconsultation to renew the governance within Saanich and throughout the region.
*Saanich ballot question: Do you support council initiating a community-based review of the governance structure and policies within Saanich and our partnerships within the region?
Reporting back in 2015:
As the first year of this term ends I am pleased to report that I have been appointed to some very important positions. I chair Saanich Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Committee, chair the CRD Parks Committee, serve on CRD Governance and CRD Finance Committee, trustee on the Municipal Finance Authority and chair the Victoria Regional Transit Commission.
I proposed to Saanich Council and received unanimous acceptance of a motion to support enshrining the right to a healthy environment in the Canadian Charter. Also, I proposed and had accepted a motion to Saanich Council that properties held by the municipality be governed by the same processes as private property when being considered for change or disposition. This is a commitment that I made during the last election.
As a council we continue to work on the ballot question relating to governance as approved by the voters in the 2014 election.
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Dean Murdock
Councillor, Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
A food security task force has been established and has completed the development of a Food
Dean Murdock, Saanich Councillor
Security Strategy that will assist the District of Saanich in implementing programs and policies that will ensure Saanich residents have access to health, local, affordable food options.
Reporting back in 2015:
I am pleased to see the Agriculture and Food Security Task Force coming together at last. Saanich is currently taking applications for participation on the Task Force (closing November 6) and seeking an expert consultant to facilitate and assist the Task Force to develop an Agriculture and Food Security Plan, with policies, action items and an implementation strategy. Access to healthy, local, affordable food options is vital for Saanich’s Food Future. I look forward to the Task Force coming together and the development of an Agriculture and Food Security Plan.
____
Colin Plant
Councillor, Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
Working with the newly elected Council, Saanich’s Council Procedure Bylaw has changed to allow for presentations to Council as well as permitting for questions to be posed at the end of meetings. Additionally, Council and Committee of the Whole meetings can be viewed online.
Reporting back in 2015:
I am very pleased to write that Saanich has introduced a new Procedures Bylaw that allows for greater pubic participation at meetings. This includes delegations, commenting on agenda items as well as the creation of a monthly Open Forum. While we have not yet introduced webcasting, we have budgeted for it to happen this year.
Heather Gartshore
Councillor, North Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
Council will be adopting a Local Area Plan, which addresses growth by way of increased housing density in the McTavish/East Saanich/Canora Road area, having been informed by a thorough public consultation process in which residents have confidence. Being respectful, I will have enjoyed a first year in office, with plenty of healthy debate, free of acrimony and friction.
Reporting back in 2015:
Council unanimously supported a motion to undertake a Goals and Community Values Survey, assessing attitudes related to future growth and density in North Saanich. The results will inform our next steps regarding the need for an OCP review and potential scope.
It is a pleasure to work with my colleagues at North Saanich, and a privilege to serve my community.
____
Geoff Orr
Councillor, North Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
Initiate local area planning for the McTavish and Tsehum housing areas. Contribute positively to effective Council dialogue. Participate in the Saanich Peninsula Housing Partnership initiative. Determine whether or to what extent a review of the OCP is warranted. Take appropriate action based on the outcome of the amalgamation question.
Reporting back in 2015:
The council dialogue has been respectful and constructive. Housing discussions took place as part of strategic planning exercise. Council recently endorsed staff recommendation to carry out community survey. Our housing partnerships have been active and the CRD recently completed a housing gap analysis, which will be considered as part of further action by Peninsula municipalities. OCP review decision will follow community survey results. There has been correspondence with the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development regarding amalgamation question results. Future direction is uncertain. Advanced conversations with Victoria Airport Authority and the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations related to a public boat ramp in Pat Bay. (Note from editor – this came in in point form and has been revised to fit SVO’s formatting)
____
Celia Stock
Councillor, North Saanich
Desired accomplishments completed by 2015
Draft of an Affordable Housing Policy is being written; A Council approved Review of portions of the Official Community Plan (OCP) is underway; That property tax can be maintained at reasonable levels, with minimal increase; That there is momentum on the Sandown development agreement for the commercial property.
2015 is the Jubilee celebration for North Saanich. As a member of the Planning Committee, I would like to look back and say, we have had a wonderful, exciting Jubilee year with many memorable events for all residents; That I will have been able to mentor and assist new Council members with our work, so that Council can be more effective, and these members will have had an easier transition to Councillor.
Reporting back in 2015:
Property tax has been maintained at reasonable levels, with only a minimal increase in 2015.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond Council’s control, we have not had much momentum on development of the commercial portion of the Sandown property.
Our North Saanich Jubilee year celebration has been highly successful, with historic story telling, pancake breakfast new Jubilee Park dedication, Aviation Museum commemoration and other events, which have included all residents. These have been happy and jubilant events for all.
We have an effective, hard working Council, and I have assisted new Council members with the transition to Councillor.
SVO has not received any responses from Sidney councillors.
SVO will update this article as additional responses come in.
Posted in Community News | Tags: alicia cormier, Carl Jenson, celia stock, central saanich, Christopher Graham, colin plant, dean murdock, election 2014, geoff off, heather gartshore, Niall Paltiel, north saanich, saanich council, sidney, Susan Brice, time capsule | No Comments »
