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…
‘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…
Labour costs must be moderated
City council asking the wrong question The Victoria City Council is asking staff the wrong question. Asking staff to recommend ways to reduce the $38M increase in their provisional 2026…
Calls for no tax increase
CRD municipal budget cuts need to freeze property tax increase in 2026: Chamber CEO Economic growth starts with tax restraint Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s new CEO John Wilson is…
Does your council show up for votes?
It’s almost the end of a four-year term and residents are starting to think about who will get their precious municipal vote. Come judgment day next fall, trying to figure…
Saanich voters flex their muscles to oppose AAP
More than 10,000 Saanich residents made the effort to vote – during a few summer weeks – to block a $150 million loan request for a new operations centre. The…
Rising costs, questionable returns
BY GEORGE BARNHART, BOARD MEMBER Why are we paying more in municipal taxes, fees and levies? Are we getting value for our money? Labour costs account for 50 per cent…