At 60, CRD still a diamond in the rough
Since the CRD was formed 60 years ago it has morphed into more than just the 13 municipalities indicated by columnist Trevor Hancock (How would we reinvent local government from…
Are flower baskets diverting debate?
It is fascinating that residents and the media are obsessing about the city’s intention to cut the hanging flower-basket program by half to save $130,000. Does cutting flower baskets create…
‘Ebycrats’ on city council
EDITOR’S NOTE: Our guest columnist Arthur Mcinnis asks about the BC NDP connections to Victoria City Council as do our members. The feature story Pandora takes another peek, Globe and…
Buy Canada? Bye America?
Local governments review procurement practices Several local politicians are calling on their municipality to re-evaluate where they spend tax dollars as a result of the nasty Canada-US trade dispute. “Obviously…
Municipal councils at a crossroad
Many initial budget requests double-digit and unaffordable (updated to March 1, 2025) The starting point deliberations for tax increases in 2025 are among the highest ever recorded on the South…
AI weighs in on local government !
Who are you going to ask for another thoughtful opinion on the state of municipal government on the South Island? So we queried Perplexity, an Artificial Intelligence system, and they…
Saanich residents, head’s up on AAPs
It’s the first time in 25 years that Saanich will use the alternate approval process (AAP) to borrow $9.6 million for five infrastructure projects. Taxpayers would be wise to familiarize…
Taxpayers wary of pool costs
Consider the long-term property tax implications before casting your vote in the Feb. 8 city referendum to spend as much as $215.9 million on a new Crystal Pool. The special…
The City tidying, tinkering, trimming
Structural reforms needed to meet growing needs City council will spend the next few months trying to tame a proposed $460 million consolidated budget to deliver quality services. Facing a…