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 ignore UBCM best practices
UPDATED 23 Feb. 2026 Why can’t Langford and Sidney councils bother to follow their own best practices on remuneration that were developed by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM)? The…
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 you ready for change?
OUTSIZED PROPERTY TAX INCREASES There’s never been greater need for change at municipal governments on the South Island. The proposed City of Victoria budget at 10.44 % is described by…
Questionable city budget unworldly
How does the proposed increase in the city’s total budget compare to those already approved or current budget asks of the larger cities in BC? Not well at all. Five…
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…
Sweet Candy Cane Awards 2025
Outstandingly sweet Candy Cane Awards 2025 ! Saanich, Colwood and Central Saanich recognized, but Lump of Coal Award for CRD To recognize extraordinary performance, three municipalities on the South Island…