Questions on sewer treatment costs raised
EDITOR”S NOTE: This is part 2 of a question and answer (Q and A) interview with Colin Plant, chair of the CRD on the region’s most costly capital project in…
A perfect past-time for pandemic pitched
If puzzles, knitting, bird watching and adopting pets are enjoying a resurgence during the pandemic, who knows, holding politician’s feet to the fire has potential as a pastime. When 5,100…
Moving forward, not backward?
Saanich Coun. Natalie Chambers (not Coun. Rebecca Mersereau as originally reported) failed to find a seconder to her council motion June 1 to endorse in principle the policy document Moving…
Better late, than never
Supportive housing purchases untaxed When the City of Victoria or B.C. buys motels, hotels and land for supportive housing – during a pandemic and the greatest economic meltdown in generations…
Does the Saanich or Victoria taxpayer pay more?
Residential tax rates in Saanich are inching closer to those in Victoria, and are significantly higher for businesses, according to 2020 figures released by the municipalities. “Property taxes are in…
How will councils deal with the cash crunch?
UPDATE –Trudeau offers $14B to provinces for anti-COVID-19 efforts through rest of year: Making a difference in municipalities is a pricey proposition, Canadian Press, June 6, 2020. Most municipalities enjoyed…
City urged to reallocate resources
Is the communications dept. bloated? In light of collapsed revenues and a shattered local economy, Grumpy Taxpayer$ is calling on Victoria mayor and council to reassess its financial priorities starting…
FEATURE: Public input on developments at risk
EDITOR’S NOTE: At a council meeting June 1, Langford council rescinded a April 6 motion to waive public hearings, and are now going to conduct electronic or phone-in hearings like…
Our new municipal economic reality
Revised property tax increases range from -10 to 6.9% A growing list of municipalities in Greater Victoria are moderating budgets – while remaining very reluctant to reduce staff or make…