48 replies to this topic

[FogPub]

I wouldn't mind the idea of a regional transportation planning board-service-whatever if I had the least little shred of faith that they'd actually get it right.

 

From all I can tell, these guys are hell-bent on following the Victoria - and then Saanich - example, and thus getting it wrong.

[Blair M.]

The issue with any CRD committee, board, or undertaking is that whatever the project might be, the CRD is comprised of unelected politicians and independent bureaucrats with authority to spend public tax dollars wildly, and make endless important decisions which affect residents that live miles away from where they might have been elected.

The CRD will tell you, of course, that you elected a mayor or councillor in your municipality, and thus they have authority on a CRD committee, or have the authority to hire an expensive consultant to make decisions for the entire region.

False.

 

You're out of luck if you feel the Mayor of Metchosin shouldn't be making million dollar decisions for a project taking place in downtown Victoria, or outlying Saanich. 

 

There's always a need for some form of regional government, the issue with the CRD is the sheer amount of power they've grabbed, and the massive amount of money they tax residents for, with no accountability, and presented as a single line item on your taxes.

 

In short, the CRD should be mandated with shrinking itself, not expanding itself!

[Victoria Watcher]

Correct.

[splashflash]

May 16th deadline of the AAP for overturning it if 10% of voters object to the regional transportation planning service. Anyone think that may have happened?

[Mike K.]

Oh gosh, I don’t know. I doubt it. That’s the problem with the AAP, is it’s by-design anti-democratic and can pass by unseen. There should be limits placed on how much money can be associated to an AAP pursuit. In the case of the RTS it’ll be a $20 million annual expense initially, I think?

[splashflash]

Sounds like $20M. I think they already have project manager planners hird or ready to be hired.

[Mike K.]

Now the whole region will be thrust into what Esquimalt, Saanich and Victoria are doing.

[Mike K.]

Passed alternative approval process.

June 11, 2025:

The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has approved Bylaw No. 4630 to establish a new Regional Transportation Service (RTS). The bylaw has been adopted after receiving elector assent through a regional Alternative Approval Process (AAP). With a growing population and more residents travelling across municipal boundaries to access work and leisure, a transportation service is needed to support a more connected and efficient regional transportation system.

“A regional approach will improve connectivity across municipalities, strengthen coordination, and ensure our transportation system can meet future needs. A more coordinated system also means better and more accessible travel experiences, whether by walking, bike, bus, or car” said Cliff McNeil-Smith, CRD Board Chair. Dean Murdock, Chair of the CRD Transportation Committee added “one cohesive voice on transportation will better attract provincial and federal investments, ensuring our communities receive the infrastructure they need.”
The new service will create a unified regional transportation vision, develop new programs, expand data and analysis, coordinate regional policies, and manage regional trails and infrastructure. The first step following the service establishment is to integrate existing transportation functions under one umbrella, including transportation planning functions and regional trails management. The new service will develop a new long-term Regional Transportation Plan to identify regional transportation priorities.

The CRD will continue to work with residents, First Nations, local governments, and transportation providers on the management and planning of regional trails and transportation networks, ensuring they continue to serve as vital, well-maintained connections as the region continues to grow.

[LJ]

Passed the process, failed the democracy.