$450-million committed to Victoria’s 2022 Games by federal and provincial governments
The federal and provincial governments will write big cheques to underwrite Victoria’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games for at least $450-million, far less than the expected final cost....
‘Games’ being played with late Victoria bid’: Van Sun Op-Ed
This opinion column also appeared in the Vancouver Sun, July 18, 2017, ‘Games’ being played with late Victoria bid: Costs, transparency must be nailed down for city’s bid to...
The economic gamble behind hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Victoria
This opinion column also appeared in the Times-Colonist June 21, 2017, ‘Examine Commonwealth Games risks #8217; Without question there are major short and long-term benefits to Victoria hosting the...
British Columbia Throne Speech 2017 (that never was)
Members of the public and legislature, we begin by acknowledging the foundation of the province – local municipalities comprising 162 villages, towns, cities, electoral areas, districts and regional boards...
Keep calm, and pay your CRD taxes: Capital region pays 425 per cent more than Vancouver
When you open your tax bill in a couple of weeks, you may want to ask your local politician why so many of your hard-earned dollars go to the...
Oak Bay infrastructure deficit set at $200M: Most municipal buildings also need upgrading
It’s not easy to part the so-called ‘Tweed Curtain’ if you are one of the 6,700 or so taxpayers in Oak Bay trying to figure out what’s going on....
The CRD in context with John Farquharson: Shaw TV
The CRD in context with John Farquharson: Dec. 2016, Shaw TV Interview with John Treleaven, Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria (Starts Minute )
Saanich website costs double to $450,000 excluding staff work
SAANICH – A major redesign of the Saanich website has escalated to $450,000, double what was originally made public a few months ago. A freedom of information request by...
Saanich councillor’s pay adds up – Revenue Canada tax free expense allowance gives boost
This is the second in an occasional series of profiles on the remuneration – often not readily transparent to the taxpayer – our local politicians receive for their efforts....
Orgy of infrastructure bills unsustainable at City of Victoria
The fate of the taxpayer is also at risk with news the replacement cost of the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre may be as high as $ (Times Colonist,...