by Roger Stonebanks, citizen reporter

There was a time – until 1950 – when Central Saanich was part of the District of Saanich. But the rural area, feeling its interests would be best served by independence, voted to form its own municipality.

But on Tuesday evening, councils from both municipalities will hold a joint meeting hosted by Central Saanich at 7 p.m. at Fire Hall No. 1, 1512 Keating Cross Road.

The agenda the meeting is short with four items, two from each municipality – see agenda HERE.

From Saanich it’s safety on Patricia Bay Highway which runs through both municipalities, and strengthening mutual interests in agriculture. Central Saanich has placed drainage issues in the Martindale Valley, and transportation projects along Wallace Drive/West Saanich Road which runs through both municipalities.

Ahead of the meeting, Central Saanich Coun. Niall Paltiel and Saanich Coun. Susan Brice met the Michell family at their farm stand to discuss water issues in the Martindale Valley. “As our climate changes and water does not know municipal boundaries, more needs to be done to address drainage,” said Paltiel. “I look forward to a joint Central Saanich-Saanich council [meeting] to discuss these issues and others facing our communities.”