Victoria-Saanich Amalgamation: 15 Years of Consultation Ignored?

After more than a decade of public consultation, petitions, municipal referendums, and a provincially funded Citizens’ Assembly, the Province of British Columbia rejected a request for a binding referendum on Victoria-Saanich amalgamation.

John Treleaven of the Grumpy Taxpayer$ and Colin Nielsen examine the history of amalgamation efforts, the Citizens’ Assembly recommendation, the Province’s response, ongoing Freedom of Information requests, and what these events may mean for local democracy and governance in Greater Victoria.

Topics include:

• The history of amalgamation efforts

• Citizens’ Assembly recommendations

• Provincial decision-making

• Freedom of Information requests

• Municipal governance

• Regional accountability

• The future of local government in Greater Victoria