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…
Taxpayers facing costly infrastructure renewal
People don’t whistle as much as they used to. That may change during the next few weeks now that municipal taxpayers – about half of those on the South Island…
Oh, so sweet Candy Cane Awards 2024 !
Colwood, Langford, Sooke recognized, and an Ol’ Lump of Coal Award for Victoria council To recognize extraordinary performance, three municipalities on the South Island are savouring their very first sweet…
Revolving door at Municipal Affairs
New minister, renamed ministry, added portfolios Every time there’s a new minister in charge of municipal affairs appointed in BC, it raises high hopes in residents for significant reform in…
How civic affairs are misunderstood and limited, and why that matters
BY DR. DAVID BLACK, SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS AND CULTURE, ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY, KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED AT 10TH ANNIVERSARY GRUMPY TAXPAYERS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, ON NOV. 16, 2024 PROF. BLACK TEACHES…
While you were away on holidays
To look for the most important controversial civic issues look at city agendas a day or two before the holiday summer weekends when residents head out on holidays. For the…
The ‘Survival Guide to Local Government’ quiz
Just moved to Greater Victoria? Just saw your latest tax bill and are gobsmacked? Just coming out of hiding after suffering an existential crisis because of the pandemic and climate…
CRD faces allegations of non-compliance in Alternate Approval Process (AAP)
The CRD is facing new allegations of noncompliance which, if confirmed, will invalidate the Alternative Approval Process (“AAP”) that ended Feb. 5, 2024 and will effect about 332,000 eligible electors.…
Santa, we still believe in you
A municipal taxpayer’s belated letter to Santa Dear Santa, After delivering gifts around a troubled world I expect you have your feet up and are still recovering in front of…