114 replies to this topic

[G-Man]

Perhaps Ms Heiman should run for Mayor. With articles like that I would vote for her.

[Nparker]

As would I. I've already stated I will likely support any candidates willing to bring up the matter of amalgamation.

[mat]

I am in agreement with amalgamation, but wonder about the process to achieve a representative local government. Some questions need to be considered...

1: Which municipalities do VV posters consider to be relevant? Is it just Victoria and Esquimalt, or do people feel a wider proposition be considered (like all current CRD members)? My own feeling is, for consistency, fiscal control, and common interest Victoria, Oak Bay, View Royal, Saanich and Sydney should come together.

2: Would this require a referendum? Do all municipalities either require, or have an option for this?

3: What would be the name of the new municipality?

There are far more questions such as voting rights, make-up of council, accountability... especially accountability!

Look forward to some input and opinions

[Nparker]

3 new municipal configurations:

• The Core
  - Victoria
  - Oak Bay
  - Esquimalt
  - View Royal (east of "Colwood" overpass on TC Hwy)
  - Saanich (south of Sayward @ Hwy 17)
• West Shore
  - the rest of View Royal
  - Colwood
  - Metchosin
  - Langford
  - Highlands
  - Sooke
• S'Nor aka Saanich North
  - the rest of Saanich
  - Central Saanich
  - North Saanich
  - Sidney

[Baro]

Sounds good nparker, when can you finish?

[Nparker]

Finish????

[Baro]

Finish enacting your amalgamation plan of course! Get on it!

[Nparker]

I need a wee bit of support. Perhaps one of the moderators can create an amalgamation poll (using my proposed new municipalities), to test the waters.

[Caramia]

You want a yes/no poll? yes/no/yes but with a few changes? Tell me, I will make it so!

[Nparker]

Yes/No sounds good to me Caramia. I am sure people will add their own comments as well. Could you include my proposed municipalities (as per previous post) in the poll? Thank you!

[Ms. B. Havin]

Carolyn Heiman follows up today:

Baby mergers might work among region's fiefdoms
Carolyn Heiman, Times Colonist
Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Similar to what we've been talking about for ages here.

I loved this bit, nice touch of wry humour:

Two people, who have moved from other parts of Canada, asked for a Capital Regional muni 101 course, hoping to make sense of it all in less than 250 words. This is not possible.

"This is not possible." Indeed. You need a university level semester-long survey course to cover that question... Sadly.

[Nparker]

Clearly Carolyn has been reading my suggestions for a new 3-municipality structure for the capital region.

[Concerned Citizens]

CCC

When I stood as an independent candidate for Victoria City Council in 1999 I advocated for amalgamation in 'La Rosa' No. 33, my occasional print publication, which served as my election campaign material.

I still stand by these quotes, which were the first item mentioned in my platform, on page 2:

"I am a native son of Victoria with a sincere interest in serving my fellow citizens as a councillor in the City. Convinced that many of our present unresolved problems are due to the ridiculous balkanization of the metropolitan area into a baker's dozen little fiefdoms often working against the best interest of the whole, I am a strong proponent of amalgamation.

AMALGAMATION

"Amalgamation must only be brought about, however, provided that the enabling legislation ensures that democracy is enhanced in the districts, and that taxes are either frozen or brought down as a result. Otherwise there really isn't much point to it."

Gregory Hartnell, President
Concerned Citizens' Coalition

CCC

[Holden West]

Is there a jurisdiction in the world that has successfully and sustainably been able to reduce the amount of tax it requires?

[gumgum]

Dream on Victoria, says Saanich

By Roszan Holmen - Victoria News

[Nparker]

The arrogance of the above article is astounding. To suggest that Victoria is not currently dealing with issues as a direct result of Saanich residents in their jusridiction is outrageous. If I could, I'd insist that Saanich residents should not be allowed to use any of the services or ammenities of the City of Victoria without paying a special user's fee. If they won't come on board with even the most basic and logical of amalgamated services, then I say "stick it to them". The free ride is over.

[Caramia]

I still like the idea of billing Saanich whenever we catch one of their residents breaking the law in Victoria. That would properly distribute the burden.

[Mike K.]

^Yeah.

Now if there was only a way of reporting how many police incidents dealt with individuals from other municipalities.

[Nparker]

That should be easy....simply ask for residence information at the time of arrest.

[Holden West]

“I think Saanich is a large municipality and I think they’re doing a very good job,” said George Blogg, president of the Portage Inlet Sanctuary Colquitz Estuary Society.

“I don’t think bigger is necessarily better.”

This boob doesn't get it. It's about making things smaller. I don't think Victoria needs more fire cheifs than New York City.