The taxpayer is not an ATM machine
EDITOR’S NOTE: The letter below is the response by Grumpy Taxpayer$ to a challenge made by David Screech, vice-chair of the CRD, in a letter entitled “What would the Grumpies…
Always looking for the bright side of local government
Editor’s Note: A very similar version of this opinion piece appeared in the Times Colonist, Local governance improving, but there’s still work to do, Oct. 18, 2019. There are some…
Are you getting good value for your tax dollar?
The tax rates for the entire Capital region are now published so you can figure out if you’re paying too much tax or not getting good value for your tax…
Why is Langford council so camera-shy?
What the heck really goes on in Langford council chambers? Unless residents beat the rush hour traffic home from work or school, leave their kids or pet home alone, or…
Increasing police costs likely after RCMP union
MEDIA COVERAGE: Unionized RCMP spells increased costs for municipalities, Goldstream News Gazette, Sept. 12, 2019. Policing costs in Greater Victoria and the rest of BC will probably be going up,…
Think outside the box on policing costs
BY STAN BARTLETT AND BRUCE KENNEDY The last couple of years has seen a prolonged, often rancorous debate on the role of policing in our community and how much funding…
Do we need 25 fire halls in the Capital region?
Saanich Fire Hall #2 budget set at $26.5 M Municipalities across the Capital region such as Saanich are replacing or upgrading many of the 25 fire department facilities, a top…
Victoria policy raises costs and erodes confidence
Guest Column by Victoria Residential Builders Association Victoria council is planning to adopt a policy where 20% of units in new, large residential strata buildings must meet the city’s affordability…
GUEST COLUMN: Victoria deserves better than populist tactics
BY CATHERINE HOLT, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce I would like to add to the growing concern in this community about the populist tactics of City of…