Provincial conduct rules promised
It’s hoped there will be fewer local politicians behaving badly once municipal legislation mandates standardized codes of conduct. The province says “…conduct issues can include bullying or harassment in meetings,…
What about affordability?
Should low income and the ability to pay be a major consideration in determining property tax rate increases? Apparently not if you live in Victoria and face a proposed 7.28…
Councils missing educational opportunities
During the fall municipal election voters may want to ask candidates if they will continue to upgrade their abilities. It’s a question residents in the Capital Regional District are asking…
Failed governance around pay hike unbelievable
Editor’s Note: Chair John Treleaven made a presentation to Sidney council on Feb. 17. View at https://www.youtube.com/live/J7ATqdqGB5c?si=7uHUjjXVdQN-PfK9 Following council’s hefty pay increase of 28-38% slated for 2027, the coffee shops…
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…