Cairine Green - Still Putting North Saanich Residents First

FINAL POST

2011-10-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

As you know, the municipal general election on November 19, 2011 is closing in and it's time for me to also close this blog site, given that I am not running again in North Saanich. I have already sent a farewell message to the community via the District Newsletter, which should be available to households shortly. But for my faithful blog readers and visitors, I wanted to post something here.

Thank you for your support during the past 6 years and to those of you who have followed this blog for the past 4 years. It has been a privilege to serve North Saanich as a Councilor and a wonderful opportunity for me to stay connected with you and the community through this website.

North Saanich is a uniquely beautiful place, one that will always have special meaning for me and my family. Please continue to protect it because, as a North Saanich resident once said to me years ago, "North Saanich is always just one election away from disaster."

I wish you and yours all the very best for the future and thank you again for your support and encouragement.

Cairine

NORTH SAANICH WINS SECOND COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD IN TWO YEARS

2011-09-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

North Saanich won another UBCM Community Excellence Award for its Whole Agricultural Strategy, awarded at this week's Convention in Vancouver. This marks the second award in two years recognizing the municipality's leadership on new and innovative initiatives. Mayor Alice Finall, Councilor Cairine Green and CAO Rob Buchan were on hand to proudly accept this year's award, one that recognizes communities from across the Province. North Saanich won its last Community Excellence Award for its Jump Bike Park, presented at the 2009 UBCM Convention.

Reaching the Right People at the Right Time

2011-09-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

I joined other Council members and senior staff in a communications workshop arranged by our Chief Administrative Officer Rob Buchan and Mayor Alice Finall. The impetus for this workshop was the need to coordinate communication to the public from Mayor and Council and the municipality on all major projects and events in which the District is involved. Improving communication with residents and the community has been a priority for this Council and municipal administration, particularly in the past three years.

We learned that key to good communication is the ability to "reach the right people at the right time" and that good communication should be:

strategic
consistent
timely
build on strengths and successes
proactive
reflect best practices
prioritized

Good communication should also be open and timely with the goal of reaching the broader community but also focusing on groups who are most affected by an issue, event or decision. Good communication practices help an organization such as local government to anticipate questions and issues from the public with facts.

It is also important to get enough information, the right information at the right time. Issues/questions raised by Council members included:

communicating more effectively with youth
knowing how and when to use the media
focusing on key messages
staff's role in information-sharing
managing the truth (fact vs. fiction)

The workshop concluded with a survey that asked us general questions about the importance of communication at various levels of the organization and will be used to inform the development of a District-wide communications strategy.

I found the workshop to be valuable and informative and I thank staff for their part in arranging this learning experience. I hope that what we learned will translate to how effectively the District, staff and Council members communicate in the future with North Saanich residents.

SEPTEMBER 12 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AND COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

2011-09-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Victoria Airport Authority Unveils Master Plan

In a presentation to Council, VAA's Marketing Manager Terry Stewart outlined their Master Development Plan, including a new business park proposed for Willingdon Rd. involving conversion to light industrial of 43 acres of Federal farmland. In response to Council's concern about the potential loss of productive land, the VAA explained that there is no Agricultural Land Reserve to protect federal lands but despite this, the VAA continues to farm large tracts of their land around the airport.

But in what I think is a groundbreaking move, the Airport Authority has offered to donate to North Saanich all the topsoil from the Willingdon Rd. construction site for local farmland remediation as well as nearly four acres of parkland on Mills Rd., adjacent to the Anglican Church overlooking Pat Bay. Uses for this land could include locating the North Saanich Farm Market there during the summer season. Terry Stewart acknowledged the cooperation and significant input of Municipal staff in these discussions, noting specifically the positive efforts of our CAO Rob Buchan.

Other North Saanich community amenities under consideration as part of the VAA's Plan include new cycle and walking paths, enhanced public transit, completion of local heritage projects, rainwater management, solar/geo-thermal heating and LEED standard buildings. A unique feature of the proposed Willingdon Rd. business park site is the design, which will be built in a circular shape described as a "campus" that will also expand the airport's existing approach to responsible environmental stewardship.

The VAA concluded with a request for municipal validation of the Plan, part of the required approval process, despite the fact North Saanich has no jurisdiction over federal land. But I was happy to make a motion last night recommending validation in principle, subject to addressing some questions from Council and audience members, through a brief North Saanich staff report, that will be presented to us on September 19.

In closing, I believe that North Saanich enjoys a positive relationship with the VAA through a partnership that provides a variety of community amenities, such as cycle paths, Hospital Hill heritage restoration, rainwater management in and around the airport, intersection improvements at MacDonald Park and Mills Roads, water and drainage improvements to North Saanich infrastructure and, of course, increased tax revenues and new jobs that accompany new business and economic development.

I commend the Victoria Airport Authority for its excellent corporate citizenship and its proven track record in working with local government to find innovative solutions to shared concerns. Yes, an airport in the heart of the community creates issues and is challenging for residents and the municipality but this working partnership between the VAA and the District of North Saanich reflects the very best of a shared commitment to community-building and well-being.

For more information about the VAA, please visit their website at: http://www.victoriaairport.com/services-and-facilities

Sandown Property Out of the Gate

The first legal steps to moving the Sandown proposal forward were made following deliberation of two comprehensive staff reports (on required legalities/traffic and environmental reports) and lengthy Council debate at both the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings. Some amendments were made to accommodate what I believe were last minute objections by Councilor Browne (shared by Councilor Mearns), despite their being part of the discussions and privy to all staff reports occurring since May 2011.

The proposal now goes to the ALC but it only meets once more this calendar year (October) and then not again until April 2012 so timing was critical. And the Commission is the first step to changing the designation of Sandown to facilitate the current proposal. If the ALC says no, the proposal stops there. To delay the decision to begin the legal approvals could jeopardize the entire proposal so I am gratified with Council's decision to move forward with first steps.

Note:

Another public Town Hall meeting will be held on September 20, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the District Hall, 1620 Mills Road.

Municipal Auditor-General Causes Interesting Debate

Not everyone on Council is convinced by the suggestion from the Provincial Government to establish an Office of the Municipal Auditor-General to oversee municipal budgeting and financial management.

I believe that this idea is unnecessary and potentially costly to municipal taxpayers, an opinion shared by some other Council members and by many colleagues across BC. We are also reminded that current provincial legislation provides for both an Inspector of Municipalities and provisions that prevent municipalities from running deficits so why the need for more oversight? And in view of the Province's concerns about potential financial hardship because of the recently-defeated HST, how can it rationalize all the costs in setting up another bureaucracy?

I am sure that this will be a hot topic of debate at the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities' Annual Convention, when municipalities from all over the province gather together to contemplate their future.

ONE PASSED, ONE DEFERRED

2011-09-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

At a September 7 Special Council Meeting to host a public hearing for two newly revised by-laws, one was approved but the new zoning by-law was referred back to staff for further research and clarification following good questions and points raised by a local resident during the Public Hearing, points that were also acknowledged and shared by Council. The zoning by-law review has been a work in progress since Spring 2008 when the former Mayor and Council started the process. What precipitated the review to amend the zoning by-law was because it was inconsistent with provisions of the 2007 Official Community Plan, thereby leaving the Municipality potentially exposed, both legally and in relation to zoning bylaw interpretation.

I am hopeful that the amended zoning by-law will be adopted before the end of this Council's term, given that it has taken 3 and a half years to complete the review. This was a necessary and significant body of work and Mayor Alice Finall and staff should be commended for moving the process forward.

SEPTEMBER MEETING UPDATE

2011-08-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

NOTE: There will be just two September regular Council meetings, September 12 and 19, so please check the District website for agenda details. There is no meeting on Labour Day September 5th and no meeting on September 26th because of the annual UBCM Convention in Vancouver that starts on that date and runs for the rest of that week.

There will be additional meetings as follows:

September 6, 2011, 7:00 p.m. - Lands End/Curteis Pt. Neighbourhood Meeting, District Hall
September 7, 2011 - Special Council Meeting (Public Hearing) - Bylaws 1254 and 1255 - 7:00 p.m. District Hall
September 20, 2011 - Town Hall meeting on Sandown - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. District Hall

Please check the District website for agenda details for the September 7 Special Council meeting.

LATE INTO THE NIGHT

2011-08-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

With only two Council meetings during the summer, agendas get crowded and the August 22nd combined Committee of the Whole/Council meeting was no exception. We adjourned at about 11:30 p.m. but still had to defer agenda items to subsequent meetings. We also had strong public attendance for mainly two topics, a presentation on BC Hydro's Smart Meters and the Sidney/North Saanich Yacht Club application asking to amend their liquor licence.

HIGHLIGHTS of Committee of the Whole:

Smart Meters are controversial it seems, reflected in two presentations, one by BC Hydro and one by private citizens representing a citizen's coalition advocating for a moratorium on installation. As you know, BC Hydro began mandatory Smart Meter installation in early July, despite public concerns about implications for human health, privacy and increased utility costs. In my view, Hydro's position on this is not well defined and when asked why this initiative is being forced on the public, Hydro says it is because the provincial government has mandated these meters. In response, six private citizens provided detailed information about the potential for health impacts, privacy concerns and increased costs to customers for electricity. Two citizens gave compelling personal stories about what radiation and electromagnetic emissions can do to human health. Councilor Ruby Commandeur also stated that her disabled daughter suffers seizures, some triggered by electromagnetic activity. I later brought a motion for a Council resolution (which passed unanimously) to join 11 other jurisdictions and send a letter to the Minister of Health, requesting a moratorium on installation until the public has input, heath and privacy concerns are further researched and other alternatives are explored, which I believe should include an "opting out" clause for those who do not want these meters installed in their homes.
An independent report by Opus Consulting to review the 2005 Deep Cove/Pat Bay/McDonald Park sewer project was presented to Council for information. The report made eleven significant recommendations to guide future projects of this magnitude. The report was originally commissioned based on expressed public concern about how the project was executed and why at the time it went three times over budget. Yes, hindsight is 20/20 but lessons learned from such a review are invaluable, especially to our taxpayers. The report will be available on the District website.
A development permit application for a seawall on Lochside Dr. created a lengthy debate based on concern about the foreshore and about the length of time it took staff to process the application. I agree that 5 months to process an application of this type seems unduly long. When I asked how the delay happened, staff admitted an oversight and took full responsibility. We all agreed that the municipality needs to streamline, review and look for improvements to the process to avoid unnecessary delays. The application was approved.
An item on the Provincial government's proposal to establish a municipal auditor general's office was deferred for discussion to the next meeting.

HIGHLIGHTS of the Council Meeting:

Most of the items on the agenda were deferred to the next meeting, with the exception of the Sandown proposal and the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club's application to amend their liquor licence to include dancing, which would enable an entertainment licence that would mean operating hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. daily.
Sandown Raceway: At my request for a deferral to the next Committee of the Whole meeting and following good points about the need for further communication with the public made by a North Saanich resident and other Council members, Council voted to defer the staff report and item to the next Committee of the Whole meeting. I agree with the staff recommendations in the July 13 report and realize that, to begin the process of wide consultation with other authorities and the CRD, we need to move forward. I have also just learned that the Agricultural Land Commission holds only one more meeting this year so timing is critical to move this ahead. But the deferral enables the public to have more time for input at the next Committee of the Whole meeting and reflects Council's concern that in the summer, many residents are away on holiday and not available to attend a meeting. I am completely supportive of this proposal and believe more timely communication with the public will serve the proposal well.
Sidney/North Saanich Yacht Club: The Commodore attended to explain and support the Yacht Club's request of the Provincial Liquor Control and Licencing Branch to amend its liquor licence to allow dancing at the Clubhouse. Local government is asked for its comments on such applications. I understand that the request involves a change in the category to Patron Participation Entertainment which would also extend operating hours to 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. A group of concerned residents, many of whom reside on Marina Way, attended and spoke to noise and traffic concerns, indicating that they had not been fully consulted by the Club about this application. I am aware of a history of traffic concerns in this area and that residents have appealed before to the municipality to implement traffic control measures. As residents pointed out, Marina Way is a dead end street so what comes in must also go out the same way. As a former Sidney/North Saanich Yacht Club member, I know that the members are responsible and that the Club to my knowledge is well run. But the concerns of adjacent residents must be considered in any application of this type. I moved and Council agreed, to refer this item back to staff for more information and to give the Yacht Club an opportunity to canvas adjacent neighbours about their concerns.

TRIBUTE TO JACK LAYTON

2011-08-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Whether you agreed or not with his politics, you must admit that Jack Layton was a class act to the end of his life. He leaves a legacy of unbelievable energy, dedication and courage as a person and as a politician. He restored integrity and honesty to politics and had that "common touch" when it came to reaching out to Canadians from all walks of life. He was a scholar too who brought to the national stage issues of poverty and homelessness.

Thanks Jack Layton for making Canada just a little bit kinder.

HOW SMART ARE SMART METERS?

2011-08-18T10:16:00.001-07:00

I spent an hour and a half yesterday with two spokespersons, one of whom is North Saanich resident Donna Robinson. She and her colleagues are advocating against BC Hydro's new Smart Meters. They will be making a presentation to our August 22 Council meeting and I urge you to attend to hear them.

They raise a variety of issues of which we should be aware about the installation and use of these meters and, more importantly, about the lack of public input and debate on the merits of this BC Hydro initiative and the meters' potential for invasion of privacy. I have to admit that before my meeting with them, I did not know a lot about these meters, other than I understand that they are purported by Hydro to be, among other things, a cost-savings to the Corporation and to streamline power consumption and billing processes. But are they a cost savings for customers?

The Tyee online newspaper is also carrying a story on the skinny behind Smart Meters which is informative but also controversial. I urge you to visit their website for another take on this issue (you will find their website on the right hand side of this blog).

As you may know, pursuant to provisions of the Community Charter, local governments are responsible for safeguarding community health. Mrs. Robinson and her colleagues are presenting to all municipal governments in the CRD, urging that they send letters to the Province requesting a moratorium on installation until more is known about Smart Meters and their impacts on human health and privacy.

SUPPORT FOR THE CRD AND REGIONAL GROWTH STRATEGY

2011-08-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

It's clear that since Ted Daly's comment in the August 2, 2011 edition of the Times Colonist (TC) criticizing in part the Capital Regional District Board (CRD) and Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), other writers have responded in the TC as I did, arguing their support for the Board's role in providing oversight to regional land use planning through the RGS.

Protecting rural, agricultural and green spaces from urban sprawl is fundamental to the Strategy, to regional planning and, in my view, reflects the majority opinion of elected municipal politicians who currently sit at the CRD Board table. And, now, sustainability, both locally and regionally, is on the lips of citizens, planning experts, environmental groups and many of us elected to public office who believe in a regional planning model.

The sustainability conversation for me begs some of the following questions: In the face of growth and demographics, how do we conserve and expand the resources we have such as water, energy and local food? How do we protect and enhance green spaces to address issues of climate change and accessible recreation? How do we undertake transportation planning to move workers to jobs and people to services? How do we address the tax burden and shrinking municipal revenues against needs to fund upgrades to infrastructure?

Instead of questioning the role of the CRD Board and Regional Growth Strategy, how about supporting a regional model that continues to bring everyone together to find answers to some of these questions, for the benefit of the region and the people who live here?

COMBINED MEETINGS FOR JULY 18, 2011

2011-07-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

Committee of the Whole Meeting:

The meeting opened with CRD Corporate Services General Manager D. Lokken who gave a brief presentation to Council on 2011 requisitions and invoices for North Saanich and provided a detailed spreadsheet for all CRD municipalities that I found helpful. It is noteworthy that of all three Saanich Peninsula municipalities, North Saanich pays the least amount to CREST (a good thing) which may have something to do with the voluntary nature of our emergency services, however, I will follow this up with Chief Gary Wilton.
A bylaw for cost recovery for illegal grow-ops was approved, making it possible for the municipality to recover its administrative costs when required to respond to local authorities and deal with health and safety issues where an illegal operation is reported.
A detailed proposed work plan to support and implement the Whole Agricultural Strategy was approved and referred to the Agricultural Advisory Commission for comments.
Staff and Agricultural Advisory Commission amendments to the existing signage bylaw were approved to make it easier for local growers and farmers to advertise and market using signage. It was noted that the existing bylaw was restrictive and limited what local farms and growers could do about signage to attract custom to their location or farm.

Council Meeting:

Council approved a future presentation of the CRD's Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP) which provides an opportunity to explain the Plan in some detail.
In response to two provincial organizations that sent letters to municipalities throughout the province calling for an end to MSP premiums for seniors, Council agreed to reply to the letters by sharing with the writers similar AVICC resolutions approved at the annual convention this past April. It is worth noting that BC appears to be one of the only provinces in Canada that requires MSP premiums.
A project that demonstrates the importance of our relationship with the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) was highlighted when the Heritage Advisory Commission submitted a request to Council to approve a $16,000 budget to complete the Hospital Hill heritage site restoration. The best part is that the VAA will pick up the entire tab for this project as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local improvements. Congratulations to the Heritage Advisory Commission and to North Saanich planning staff for such a great collaboration and a huge THANK YOU to the VAA.
Councilor Browne gave a report on CREST, during which he underscored his concerns about what he believes are high costs to North Saanich for being part of this service. I couldn't agree more, given that many of us for years have been concerned about the cost of CREST and its service delivery challenges.
Council approved the appointment of North Saanich Manager of Corporate Services Curt Kingsley as Chief Election Officer and CAO Rob Buchan and Admin. Secretary Jackie Gretchen as Deputy Chief Election Officers, positions to be served during the November municipal general election.
A lengthy debate followed a staff report that recommended approval of a development permit application for a waterfront property on Madrona Drive. I supported the staff recommendation, as did most of Council, however, Councilor Chandler had difficulty and concerns with what he believed were zoning issues involving a proposed set of stairs leading from the foreshore. The Mayor eventually suggested separating the motion into two parts, leaving the issue of the stairway to be addressed on its own. This would enable the applicants to proceed with most of the work on re-developing the property. As well, it was noted that the stairway will require approval from the Province of BC, adding oversight to any possible impacts on the foreshore. I also believe that the applicants demonstrated due diligence and completed a lot of preliminary professional work on the property before bringing the application forward. The entire application was finally approved in two motions and staff agreed to confirm zoning details.

NOTE: The next meeting(s) is Monday, August 22, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. Enjoy the summer, if I can call it that.

Regional Growth Strategy

2011-06-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

... CAN WE LIVE UP TO ITS VALUES?

I read with great interest the Times-Colonist article by reporter Kim Westad about the CRD Board's recent decision to support Saanich Councilor Vic Derman's motion to re-examine a variety of development projects in Central Saanich, suggesting that recent Council land use decisions may contravene the provisions of the Regional Growth Strategy. As you know, I have always supported the Strategy, believing that it is one of the few tools we have to contain urban sprawl from creeping into rural and agricultural lands. In my opinion, the Strategy has helped, among other things, to protect rural communities such as North Saanich from ad hoc, shortsighted land use that demonstrates little regard for long term negative impacts on such factors as costs to taxpayers of providing more services, more resources and more infrastructure to support urban-style development.

I have heard the arguments time and again from those who want more development and less land use oversight -- "...development will increase our tax base, provide "affordable" housing and improve local economies..." "...it's not our business to meddle in the affairs of other municipalities or communities..." "the Strategy threatens property rights..." and so on. In response, I can only say that in my experience, wherever there has been large scale development that is either unplanned or poorly planned, individual residential property taxes have not necessarily decreased, adequate "affordable" housing has, more often than not, failed to materialize and improvement to local economies has been difficult to quantify. If all the arguments to support unchecked large scale development lined up, then I must ask why residential property taxes on average are higher in communities where development has been a primary driver?

Regional sustainability should concern all of us, whether we happen to live in Metchosin, North Saanich or Victoria. I believe that without a framework such as the Strategy, protection of our natural resources and green/blue spaces, transportation, climate change, local agriculture, food security and other quality of life issues and needs become much more difficult to manage and address. Whether you agree or disagree with Councilor Derman's motion and the decision of the CRD Board, it is evident to me that ad hoc land use planning on a regional basis poses challenges for all of us living here; nor do land use decisions and their implications necessarily respect municipal boundaries -- our communities simply do not exist in isolation of one another. Just ask North Saanich residents living on the municipal border next door to the proposed Vantreight development.

Whatever the outcome for Central Saanich, let's hope that the Regional Growth Strategy and its values can prevail -- after all, our future depends on it.

Sandown Property - Public Engagement Meeting

2011-06-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

SMALL COMMUNITY STANDS TO MAKE HUGE CONTRIBUTION
If the North Saanich community chooses to embrace the idea of the current Sandown application and proposal, we stand to make a significant contribution to the Region with the acquisition of the Sandown property. Our first public Town Hall meeting saw about 100 people attend to hear about the latest application and proposal for the property. Moderated by Chief Administrative Officer Rob Buchan and Mayor Alice Finall, the meeting included Council members who listened with the public to a presentation that laid out the general proposal. That proposal would see about 83 acres preserved for agricultural use and gifted to the North Saanich community by the current owners, a Vancouver-based family. This is the first proposal of its kind in North Saanich history and if it succeeds, could be a model to boost regional food security and enhance local farming.

Of course there were the usual nay-sayers at the meeting but, in general, what I heard was an audience majority who seemed to support the concept (some even congratulated us on our innovation), provided a clear and detailed business plan is developed that addresses issues of cost to taxpayers of environmentally remediating the property, servicing the commercial aspects of the proposal (12 acres on McDonald Park Rd.), dealing with drainage and water and assessing long term benefits of additional tax revenue to the Municipality. My notes from audience questions include the following:

• Should the current owner be given commercial zoning?
• What will be the cost of fire and other services to the property?
• How will you define "farming use?"
• What are the staff costs to the District of working on this proposal?
• Should the municipality be engaged in "land development?"
• What are the costs of cleaning up the property and demolishing existing buildings?
• What happens if the cost of maintaining the property exceeds commercial tax revenue?
• Who would own the land? (12 acres would be owned by current owner and District of North Saanich would own 83 acres of ALR)
• What is the business plan for this proposal?
• What about affordable housing on the site? (Agricultural Land Commission regulations prohibit housing developments on ALR)
• Will there be a tax increase for North Saanich residents?
• Will there be further public consultation? (Absolutely)
• What are the revenue, terms and length of two existing leases on Sandown property? (Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and a cell tower)
• Should this go to referendum in the next Municipal general election?

In the end, I believe North Saanich and the current owner of the property could be on the brink of seizing a precedent-setting opportunity to establish a public legacy that could make a positive and ever-lasting difference to agricultural land use locally, across the Saanich Peninsula and in the Region. Once the Municipality has completed its due diligence, I just hope that the majority of North Saanich residents agrees.

My thanks to everyone who took the time to attend and participate in the meeting.

Webcasting Comes to NS Council

2011-04-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

STAYING CONNECTED IN NORTH SAANICH

Thanks to Times Colonist reporter Kim Westad for the terrific front page coverage in Sunday's edition, headlining our new web casting project. As you know, this is a ground breaker for North Saanich as the only local government doing this in the CRD. My only regret is that we could not find a local service provider for the technology, forcing us to go outside the local business community. I am hopeful therefore that a local Island-based tech company will recognize a niche market for this service and pick up the challenge to provide the technology at a competitive price to local governments in the region.

We have been talking about this initiative for a long time, first entertaining the idea early last year. We recognized that we needed to better connect residents to local government and reach those who do not attend meetings due to time pressures and other factors. The Mayor also remembered the valuable public service Shaw Cable provided during the 1990s when meetings were carried live on the local cable channel. But once Shaw Cable abandoned this market, there were few options available to small communities like ours, until now. Although initially cost prohibitive, our IT Director John Carnell continued to explore the market until he found the provider that had a track record with other small communities and could best serve our needs at a reasonable and competitive cost.

As they say, the rest is history. We launch the service on May 2 and on May 3, you will be able to download video, audio or both, as well as clicking to specific agenda items in the event you don't want everything -- the site is conveniently indexed to make it easier for residents to listen to or watch a discussion on a particular topic of interest. So, we hope it is a big hit with residents over the next year during the trial period. My thanks goes to IT Director John Carnell and his staff as well as to Lisa Coburn for helping to make all of this possible. Lights, camera, action!

March 24, 2011 Editorial - Take Big Money Out of Politics

2011-03-24T15:20:00.001-07:00

The following is my letter to the T/C Editor regarding campaign spending in politics and municipal elections:

RE: March 24, 2011 Editorial - Take Big Money Out of Politics
Your editorial on campaign spending in politics and municipal elections is timely and I couldn't agree more. I made one of the 131 submissions last year to the provincial Elections Reform Committee, calling for municipal campaign spending/donation limits and greater public oversight by Elections BC. Good people to whom I refer as "grass roots candidates" who simply want to serve their community in local government, may be discouraged to get involved if running an expensive campaign is the key measure of success at the polls. Access to our political system should be open to everyone.

The level of campaign funding should not determine the level of election support. But some municipal election campaigns in recent years have been more about expensive marketing strategies than about the candidate's real skills, ability and genuine desire to serve. And the higher the political stakes, the greater the amount of money available to candidates it seems, given that the primary role of local governments is making decisions about land use. And with land values on the South Island some of the highest in the country, there is often keen interest in the outcome of local elections by those who may have the most to gain.

But one of the greatest weapons against the influence of big money in politics is a well informed voter. It is vitally important for voters to prepare for the next election by attending local Council meetings, talking or meeting with local candidates one-on-one or in group settings, joining or starting up a community association; whatever it takes to critically assess candidates and their campaigns beyond big signs and glossy brochures. Voters need to know details about a candidate's background, experience and commitment to public service and to the community. Local media also have an important role to play in providing the public with responsible, objective and well researched story material on local issues and local candidates.

Apart from tightening up campaign funding rules and bringing greater public scrutiny to the election process through legislation, the next best thing to safeguarding our democratic system is an aware and informed voting public because it's true, information is power.

Housing Affordability in the Capital Region

2011-03-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY A BIGGER DISCUSSION

Please visit the following Times Colonist link to read a very good editorial on housing affordability across the Capital Region. It goes right back to my earlier comments about how challenging this problem is, a problem that is definitely regional and not unique to North Saanich. The message in the editorial is also clear -- there are a variety of factors that contribute to housing affordability, not the least of which is employment status and current salary to mortgage ratios. The editorial supports my views about how challenging and complex the issue is and that looking solely to local governments to provide solutions is not realistic. I understand that the TC will do another article(s) on possible solutions to housing affordability in this region so please watch for it: http://www.timescolonist.com/business/Editorial+Cost+housing+hurting+region/4454728/story.html

Be Prepared Now More Than Ever!

2011-03-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

I encourage you to learn more about what you can do to prepare at home for an emergency. Our Fire Chief Gary Wilton is part of a regional emergency planning process and his office can provide more details about just what you can do in the event of a similar disaster. One of the most important items is to pack an emergency kit (I have used a large tupperware container) and keep it where you will be able to access it quickly. The kit can contain such items as:

water
canned and dried food
prescription medications if applicable
food and supplies for infants and children if applicable
food and supplies for pets, if applicable
extra clothing and shoes, including coats/jackets
wind up radio and flashlight
blankets/sleeping bags
crowbar (for removing debris)
matches/batteries
first aid kit

There are other items too that can be life-saving during a natural disaster and you can decide on what other special items should be included in your kit. Check the kit every few months to ensure that water and food items remain current.

I encourage you to also have a plan for loved ones if they do not live with you at home. How will you contact one another, where will you gather and what will you need for a few days if services and communications are otherwise severed? Local, regional and provincial governments have emergency planning in place and North Saanich is part of that network. I encourage you to learn more by contacting the District at 250-656-0781.

More on Food Security

2011-03-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

Canada's Food Insecurity
Vancouver Sun journalist Stephen Hume asks the right question when he puts it to politicians: "What exactly is Canada's and British Columbia's strategic plan for domestic food security?" Another variation on the same serious theme -- how will we feed ourselves when the availability of global and world food supplies is shrinking? Check out his column at this link,
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Opinion+Politicians+need+combat+Canada+food+insecurity/4400361/story.html

Food News

2011-03-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

FOOD FORESHADOWED

What we have been warned about for years by environmentalists, scientists, climatologists and the farming community, that world food supplies are at risk from global events beyond our control, is fast becoming our new reality. Ever increasing population growth and demand in India and China, regional and civil unrest in the Middle East and weather catastrophes in fertile areas around the world, to name just a few, are forces negatively affecting global food supplies. We are also told that these events should be a wake-up call for us in the West.

Even here, recent media announcements are alerting us to imminent price increases of up to 5% in Greater Victoria and other Vancouver Island communities that include dairy products, fresh produce, baked goods, fuel and transportation (the last two have projected increases beyond 5%). These price increases again underscore how problematic it is that we depend so much on outside food sources that require transportation to and from the Island.

Given these recent events, I can't help but see an irony, that local governments such as ours in North Saanich, led by a Mayor and Council majority who made local food and agriculture priorities when we were first elected nearly three years ago, have been criticized or even ridiculed in some circles for our focus on agriculture. I have heard us described as "simplistic" in our approach to local land use, that we are attempting to resurrect an industry that has long since seen its heyday (no pun intended). Yes, I have listened to the critics and skeptics, especially those who seem to believe that food security is when the local grocery store stays open past 6:00 p.m.

Well, I strongly disagree with these nay-sayers, especially given recent food and agricultural movements across North America and public sentiment that reflect a growing concern about food security. As I have mentioned before, of Canadians surveyed last year, nearly 82% cited local food security as their greatest concern overall. So I am proud to be part of this Mayor and Council majority's work that continues to lobby for a thriving, secure and local food supply in North Saanich, on the Peninsula and across the region.

Our recipe for success is threefold -- making agriculture economically viable, raising the profile of local growers/producers and creating a supportive environment for farming and marketing -- a complex and daunting task but one that we cannot afford to ignore.

And while the efforts to date of some local and regional governments may sometimes feel like a drop in the bucket to the local farmer or grower, as a member of North Saanich Council, I am particularly proud of what we have achieved so far, including agricultural area planning and development of a cutting edge draft whole agricultural strategy.

Of course none of these initiatives would be possible without community involvement, the dedication and commitment of local volunteers, engagement by farmers and growers, as well as direct support from North Saanich Municipal staff such as CAO Rob Buchan and many others who provide policy expertise and hands-on help when we host local agricultural workshops and events.

I am also grateful to the work of local, Peninsula and regional organizations and groups, all of whom believe, more than ever before, that growing food close to home is more than just an option -- it is becoming a necessity. But we still have a lot to do and while we cannot solve all the problems related to local agriculture in just three years, together with our community, we can establish policy and practices at the municipal level that will continue to support one of the most important values of all -- the ability of communities like ours to eventually feed themselves.

Stay tuned.

NOTE ON FEBRUARY 28 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING:
Due to illness, I was unable to attend the February 28th Committee of the Whole meeting so I am unable to provide highlights. Please consult the District of North Saanich website for a copy of the meeting minutes which will summarize the Committee of the Whole and Budget meetings for February 28th.

Councilor Commandeur's Take on Budget Process

2011-02-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

Visit Councilor Ruby Commandeur's Website for Her Take on the 2011 Budget Process

Councilor Ruby Commandeur has prepared and posted another "Wise Up Report" dedicated to the current budget process and how property taxes are calculated. As you know, North Saanich Council and staff are currently engaged in budget deliberations for 2011, an important process that happens every year at this time. Please visit her website at: http://rubyc.ca/html/facts-and-fiction.html

The Case for Web-Casting Council Meetings

2011-01-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

MY VIEW

I am fully supportive of Council's latest decision to proceed with a proposal for a one-year trial to web-cast all Council meetings. I would have supported this initiative years ago but learned that costs to do so for small municipalities were prohibitive. Until now. So I am very pleased that the District of North Saanich plans to launch this important service this spring.

Why do I believe that this is an important service? Here are some reasons for improved communication with residents:

• Adequate ongoing communication with local residents about how Mayor and Council conduct the public's business during Council meetings is always a challenge for local governments and North Saanich is no different. Apart from our standard agenda package, District website, quarterly newsletter and audio recording, it is difficult if not sometimes impossible, for Council members and staff to reach the public on a weekly basis, especially to those who may never attend regular Council meetings, which is the vast majority.

The small percentage of residents who regularly attend Council meetings is understandable, given that the meetings themselves are not relevant to everyone. I have observed that the majority of those who more regularly attend meetings do so out of general interest, as representatives of a community organization/association, out of concern about a specific issue or topic, because of a public hearing or other bylaw issue, or because they have a land use application that requires Council approval. And sometimes, meetings can be tedious, particularly when the discussion is focused on technical, legal or operational matters. So a communications strategy that effectively reaches a majority of residents, such as web-casting, is a positive step and can only boost public awareness, knowledge and understanding of local government and how it works.

• "A picture is worth a thousand words." Web-casting is a unique method of communicating with the public, bringing greater accountability to local government, especially for elected officials related to attitudes, behaviour and decision-making.

There is to my knowledge no filter on web-casted Council proceedings -- what you see is what you get. Yes, what happens at North Saanich Council meetings is currently reported in a variety of ways, such as through staff minutes, the local press, the District website, those who attend and individuals such as me who use social media and take the time to write and report on issues and subjects deliberated during meetings. But each of these methods is susceptible to interpretation by whomever the individual is who takes the minutes, reports for the local press, manages the website, attends a meeting or writes a blog. A web-cast, on the other hand, is reality, a form of "raw footage" where the only thing left to interpretation will be how each of us assesses and processes what we have seen and heard.

• Information about Council proceedings should be timely, relevant and available to the public at all times.

Council and Committee of the Whole meetings are always open to the public (including North Saanich Commission/Committee meetings), unless topics are designated "in camera." Web-casting Council and Committee of the Whole meetings provides another venue for the public to quickly access information about decisions, issues and topics that are of interest or relevant to them, at a place and time convenient to them. I believe that information fails to "inform" if it is not current or easily accessible -- when the public's ability to access information is limited, then their ability to participate in their local government is also limited. Remember, "information is power" and the best thing that we, as elected officials can do with power and information, is to share them with the people and communities who elect us.

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2011

2011-01-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Mayor Alice Finall finalized in December, 2010 Council Liaison positions for this new year 2011. These appointments are reviewed by the Mayor at the end of every calendar year. Sometimes, changes are made after consultation with Council members, however, the Mayor has full discretion to make appointments with a view to balance the needs of the municipality, our CRD partners and stakeholders and, finally, individual Council members.

New this Council term has been the request for Council Liaisons to make regular reports to Council about each of the Commissions/Committees they serve. Such reporting, instituted by Mayor Finall at the beginning of the term, provides greater accountability, improves communication and provides important information to North Saanich residents and taxpayers.

My 2011 appointments are as follows:

Mayor's Alternate Director on the CRD Board
North Saanich Appointee - Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association (GVLRA)
Mayor's Alternate to the Peninsula Recreation Commission
Alternate First Nations Liaison
Liaison to the Peninsula Agricultural Commission (PAC)
Liaison to the Regional Housing Trust Fund Commission (RHTF)
Liaison to North Saanich's Heritage Advisory Commission (HAC)
Liaison to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)
Liaison to the North Saanich Heritage Advisory Commission

I look forward, on behalf of North Saanich, to continue working with local volunteers and regional colleagues involved in each of these groups. This work helps to broaden our knowledge and perspective about the significance of North Saanich's participation and place in local and regional issues and initiatives. If you have any questions about any of these responsibilities or bodies, please feel free to contact me.

Farmland Threatened

2010-11-30T13:28:00.000-08:00

FARMLAND THREATENED

To further illustrate the importance of agriculture in British Columbia, not just on the Saanich Peninsula, I thought you might find the following article by the Tyee of interest. In my view, shared by so many others, this is once again a significant consideration for all jurisdictions as concerned as North Saanich is, about the future of food and its link to community health. http://thetyee.ca/News/2010/11/26/FarmlandsBrink/?utm_source=mondayheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=291110

Canadian Farmland At Risk

2010-11-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Canadian Farmland at Risk of Being Ploughed Under
In a recent article in the October 19, 2010 edition of Ontario Farmer, written by Canadian agrologist, farm columnist and director of Canada's largest credit union Wendy Holm, she warns about realities facing the Canadian farmer and farming worldwide. Ms. Holm suggests in her article that by mid-century, the world population will grow to about 9 billion from today's 6.9 billion, at a time when the world continues to consume more than it produces (grain reserves for instance were at 111 days just 10 years ago and are now at 54 days). She goes on to say that the World Bank foresees world demand for food increasing by 50 per cent by 2030 and that grain producers will have to double their outputs in the next 40 years to keep up with beef demands by higher income consumers (China now consumes 4 times more beef than it did just 25 years ago).

What is even more alarming, according to Holm's article, is that these increases are occurring when the global ratio of arable land per person has dropped by half since the 1970s, the demand for bio-fuel has tripled and we consume 4% more water than we replenish. So, asks Holm, where will our food come from and according to her information, large investors are looking at food as the "new plastic." She says that the "game plan" on the part of these global investors is that once they control our fertile farmland, they control the future. Holm cites a survey by the World Bank that "reports 45 million hectares of large-scale holdings changed hands in 2009, compared with an average of 4 million hectares changing hands between 1998 and 2008." And, says Holm, "this is only the beginning." She suggests that if Canadians want to retain control of their own food production, then we must find a way to support and invest in our farmers. Holm argues that "farm lenders in Canada should be working together" to help Canadian farmers survive against serious challenges.

The following demographic is the purchaser or investor profile as described in Holm's article:

"In California, foreign buyers are from Spain, Switzerland, China, Egypt and Iran and they also have their sights set on the U.S. Midwest, Texas, Mississippi, Idaho and the Dakotas."

"Hundreds of millions of hectares are being bought in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Latin America and Eastern Europe, by foreign interests from the Gulf States, China, Japan, South Korea and Western Europe."

More recently, Holm suggests, foreign investment in farmland is also focused on "two other countries that have good infrastructure, government, farmland and relatively low land prices: Canada and Australia." Holm believes that "in two to three years, when interest rates rise, many carrying heavy debt loads will exit the sector. Left standing will be the foreign investors." Finally, Ms. Holm concludes, "There are structural changes occurring in Canada's farm sector. We need to work together to find ways to reduce the impact on farmers and food security, not attack each other in a turf war that no one can win." Innovative partnerships and collaboration, not competition among Canadian lenders, are the keys to the future in farm lending, Ms. Holm says, and can lead to new relationships that can help protect Canada's food security, farmland and farming communities.

To read this article in full and to get more information and news about farming in Canada, please visit ontariofarmer.com

Vital Signs - Strong or Do We Need a Shot in the Arm?

2010-10-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Victoria Foundation just released its 2009 Vital Signs Report, an interesting and informative snapshot of quality of life on the South Island and in the Capital Region (in my view, valuable reports of this type further illustrate the need to retain the Stats-Canada long form census).

Vital Signs provides "vital" information to all of us who are working and making decisions on behalf of people, their families, their neighbourhoods and their communities. I appreciate the time, research and commitment the Victoria Foundation demonstrates, not only through its Vital Signs report but also through its various philanthropic projects that make a significant contribution to the well-being of populations living in our region.

I have requested that the Victoria Foundation makes a presentation to North Saanich Council at one of its fall meetings, focusing on the results of the report. Please watch the District website and this blog for the date and time of this presentation.

Report highlights, cited as follows, represent to me some of the most important and interesting data based on the Foundation's census information, data analysis and survey results:

People Profile:
• How Many We Are - total Capital Regional population - 364,108 (2008)

• Where We Live - 67.1% of Greater Victoria residents lived in urban core; 16.9% in the West Shore; 11.7% on Saanich Peninsula; and, 4.3% on Gulf Islands (2006)

• Who We Are - 17.6% of Greater Victoria residents reported non-European ethnic origins, including those from Aboriginal communities, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia and Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Middle East (2006)

• Our Homes - Average house had 2.2 people compared with 2.5 for B.C. (2006)

• Our Houses - 65.4% single family occupation, 2.5% multi-family occupation and 32.1% single person or non-family occupation (2006)

• Living Alone - 32.3% of people over 65 years of age were living alone (2006)

Important Issues Cited by Survey Respondents (listed in descending priority):
• Homelessness - 52.8%
• Cost of Living - 32.2%
• Addictions - 29.2%
• Housing - 27.3%
• Community Planning - 16.2%
• Poverty - 14.1%
• Mental Illness - 13.5%
• Sewage Treatment - 12.7%
• Health Care - 12.4%
• Municipal Integration - 11.8%

What We Do Well In:
• Recycling - 97% recycle (2007)

• Natural Environment - 85.9% satisfaction rate with access to natural environment (2008)

• Museum - 542,596 paid visits (2007/2008)

• Parkland - total of 16,141 hectares of regional, provincial and federal parkland in 2007, up by 2,687 since 2001

• Internet Use - 79.1% of 16 and over residents used internet in their homes for personal use (2007)

What We Need to Improve:
• Rental availability
• Illicit drug use
• Social housing wait list
• Child care spaces
• Rental vacancy
• Affordability index

Young Voices: (46.6% of youth in Greater Victoria are between 15 and 18 years old):
In areas of arts and culture for youth and youth having a voice in elections at a younger age, Greater Victoria was rated as a B and a C respectively. It seems clear from the results that our youth want to be more involved in their community in meaningful ways.

Youth care about their environment, citing need for green transportation such as bus service that meets their needs.

Young people cite cost of living as a "strain" and want a higher minimum wage as well as more affordable housing.

Unemployment among youth increased in 2009, leading to youth wanting safer and better places to assemble that are closer to their own neighbourhoods.

Youth are health conscious, on average eat healthy meals and snacks and understand the need for physical activity and recreation that are accessible.

Youth feel "somewhat connected" to their communities, at 60.4% of those surveyed.

Youth rated the following as "important or essential" areas for community investment:
1. Education - 89.70%
2. Affordable housing - 87.30%
3. Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation - 79.75%
4. Public Transportation - 77.25%
5. Environmental Action - 75.55%
6. Family Support Services - 70.20%
7. Employment Programs - 67.95%
8. Arts - 55%
9. After School Programs - 53.80%
10. Police and Law Enforcement - 53.40%

Participation in Civic Life (Belonging and Leadership):
• Charitable Giving - in 2007, 28.0% of those who filed tax returns reported that they made charitable donations, down slightly than previous years.

• Sense of Belonging - 68.5% of seniors over 65 reported a "somewhat or very strong sense of belonging to their local community," demonstrating a decrease.

• Voter Turn-Out - the 2008 federal election saw a turn-out of 67.5%, considerably higher than the percentages for B.C. and Canada.

• Employment - in 2009, 63.3% of Greater Victoria residents 15 and older were employed, slightly higher than the averages for B.C. and Canada.

Over 85% of residents surveyed said they "usually or always felt safe" walking after dark.

Greater Victoria consumers paid 1.1% more in March 2009 for services and goods than they did in March 2008.

3.5% of people between 19 and 64 in December 2008 depended on unemployment insurance or basic income assistance.

Over 4,600 people were traveling the Malahat to commute to work in 2006 (most of the population lived in Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo areas).

Summary Conclusions from this Report:
The Vital Signs report indicates, based on its data collection and survey information, that Greater Victoria appears to be "moving forward" on issues of property crime, amount of median donations, rental vacancy, commuting methods and income needed for shelter. We appear to remain static on children in care of the provincial government and we appear to be losing ground on issues of unemployment, perceived health, solid waste disposal, tourism revenue, composite learning index, physical activity and charitable giving.

Note: All of the information I have used for this blog post represents data and language taken directly from the Vital Signs Report. For further information and a full copy of the report, please visit the Victoria Foundation at www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca

Food Safety Message -- Keeping It Local

2010-08-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Food Safety Message and Canadians - Keep It Local
72% of Canadians (up 6% since 2007) cite food safety as a concern, favouring locally grown or produced fare over imported items. So says a recent Ipsos-Reid poll that suggests that a majority of Canadians are "very" or "somewhat" concerned about the food they eat. The poll further indicates that "more than two thirds of Canadians believe Canadian food is safer than imported food." Canadians further agree that importing food all over the world is not good for the environment and while Canadian grown or produced food may be more expensive, they are willing to pay for it. "Another 87% agree that they trust food that comes from Canada more than food that comes from abroad, with 85 % of respondents saying they make an effort to buy locally grown and produced food." This poll was conducted through an online survey of over a thousand respondents, between July 23 and 30, 2010.

These results are not a surprise to the North Saanich Food for the Future Society, instrumental in starting up the first North Saanich Farm Market over 3 years ago, with initial support from the Deep Cove Market and now ongoing help from Janet Silman of St. John's United Church. Attendance at the Market, located behind St. John's on West Saanich Road across from Deep Cove Elementary School, averages about 300 people every Saturday morning during the summer, a significant increase compared with early years. Not only is attendance steady, reports indicate another significant increase in the number of Market vendors offering for sale everything from free range eggs and local lamb to fresh fish, beef, honey, home baking and, of course, fresh produce, most of it organic.

The quality and variety of fresh produce and specialty items is impressive as local growers provide from their gardens large and small. The North Saanich Farm Market is also a local pioneer of winter produce, with the opening of its first winter farm market this past year. The North Saanich Farm Market, with its positive and creative atmosphere, truly reflects a community that embraces local food production and supports North Saanich's strong commitment to agriculture through local farming.

The Market also provides a great venue for the annual Flavour Trail and I hope that residents will attend this weekend's festivities, beginning with the North Saanich Farm Market opening at 9:00 AM. We also know that what keeps farms economically viable, no matter how big or small, is their continued ability to reach consumers. The press coverage for this weekend's events has been terrific and a big thanks goes out to media who have featured the Flavour Trail, including the Times Colonist, Monday Magazine and the CBC morning radio program, "On the Island."

I believe that without support of local media, growers and farmers cannot get their message out as effectively to the people who need to hear it. The success story of the North Saanich Farm Market and the annual Flavour Trail deserves celebration so straw hats off to all those, including local restaurants and wineries, who work so hard to make it happen week after week during the summer growing season and on a periodic basis during the winter.

"Happy Flavour Trails to you!"

Too Liberal with BC's Farmland

2010-08-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

A Vancouver Province editorial about a new report by Nathan Pachal, titled "A Snapshot of the Agricultural Land Reserve from 2000-2009 in the south of Fraser," and the report itself reveal that the biggest culprit in the losses of ALR lands, particularly on the Lower Mainland (Delta, Barnston Island, Township and City of Langley and Surrey), is the B.C. Government through its Ministry of Transportation. Research found that "the provincial government is responsible for 72.8% of all the land in this region that has either been excluded from the ALR or paved over for transportation use."

What is equally disturbing to me about this report is that apparently the "hard numbers" and other detailed information could only be accessed through a lengthy freedom of information process. Until the process kicked in, it's alleged that Mr. Pachal's efforts to get more information from the BC government "were met by bureaucratic doors slamming in his face." I understand that Mr. Pachal, co-founder of the Langley-based South Fraser on Trax group, a non-profit that studies regional transportation and highlights related issues, writes that "While it may appear that private development is responsible for the erosion of the ALR in the south of Fraser, it is actually the public sector (that's you and me!) that has removed the most land for future farm use in the last decade."

The sub-region is part of the Metro Vancouver regional district on which Mr. Pachal's report focuses and reportedly "accounts for about 70 per cent of all Metro acreage within the ALR. Metro itself produces 27 per cent of B.C.'s total gross farm receipts from primary crops such as field vegetables, berries, greenhouse vegetables and ornamental plants." According to the Province editorial and the Pachal report, the roughly 73% loss of ALR "compares with just under 23 per cent by the private sector and nearly five per cent by local governments." The report further states that a "total [of] 264 hectares of land [or approximately 650 acres] in the sub-region have been lost to farming over the period and about two-thirds or 175 hectares [approximately 430 acres] was devoted to government transportation projects."

The editorial quotes Mr. Pachal as being surprised by these stats and, frankly, so am I. I also understand that Mr. Pachal "found that, under its legislation, the Agricultural Land Commission doesn't categorize lands these transportation projects occupy as being excluded from the ALR." "Instead," he learned, "they're recorded as 'eliminated from farm use,' which gives the impression of more land being farmed than is the case."

The results of Mr. Pachal's study of the south of Fraser sub-region should concern all North Saanich and Peninsula residents. While some of us had always assumed it was developers and primarily the private sector who pillaged farmland, they are apparently not the major offenders, if Mr. Pachal's findings are correct. This is significant information in light of a recent Ipsos-Reid poll that shows of those Canadians surveyed, over 70 per cent are concerned about their food security.

Why then would the B.C. government put ALR in one of the most fertile areas in the world, the Fraser Basin, at risk by appropriating arable land for transportation projects? Of course we need transportation routes and infrastructure but, as the Province newspaper's editorial concludes, "Certainly pavement is important, but affordable fresh food is fundamental." Perhaps it's true when some farmers, agrologists and environmentalists proclaim that we are in the fight of our lives to save farmland and protect our ability to grow our own food. Shouldn't governments help us to win this battle?

For more details about this issue, please visit blewis@theprovince.com

A Matter of Public Service

2010-08-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

The Times Colonist (TC) editorial titled "Public service, not free money" (August 10, 2010) reflects, in part, a sentiment that I have always shared -- that the essence of the work of an elected municipal Council member should be service to the public, emphasizing a higher form of volunteerism and not focused on self-service, as appears to be the case for some recent BC municipal Councils reportedly voting themselves healthy raises (in one case, an increase of 76% to the Mayor's salary alone).

These generous awards to the stipends of locally elected officials are particularly offensive to a tax-paying public that has weathered serious recession impacts, a new consumer tax, challenging government cutbacks to public services and programs and little or no increases to the public sector (wages or positions) or to organizations and agencies who also rely on the taxpayer for funding. In fact, B.C.'s public sector wage increases have been consistently in the 0% to 2.0 % range for many years. Further, B.C.'s minimum wage, seemingly now administered by Scrooge himself, is apparently the lowest across the country, an issue that I believe should be addressed without further delay but, that's another story for another time.

Stipend increases for municipally elected officials were also the subject of heated debate in North Saanich about three years ago. It was my first Council term and I remember when the former Mayor of North Saanich struck a Task Force to review income levels of the Mayor and Councilors, despite what I understood was a recommendation just a few months earlier from an appointed residents' group suggesting an increase consistent with the cost of living (COLA). In the end, the Mayor's new Task Force suggested, for example, that a 32% increase to the Mayor's stipend should be made (if granted, I calculated that the former Mayor would have likely been the highest paid Mayor on the Peninsula). While a lesser increase for Councilors was also recommended, the former Mayor and his supporters appeared to lobby hard for the increase to the Mayor's stipend, citing in part the need to keep up with other municipalities, stressing that the job was more demanding.

I strongly disagreed (as did some of my other Council colleagues at the time) with what we perceived as an attitude of entitlement, arguing that such large increases, especially for the Mayor's position, were out of line and unfair to North Saanich taxpayers. I also did not agree, as some others argued, that compared to other municipalities, North Saanich was falling behind. Nor did I agree with the final argument that by substantially raising stipends, we would attract "younger" people to elected office. I believed then (and still do) that the issue of attracting younger people to public office has less to do with money and more to do with their available time --- the majority of younger people I know are busy raising families, working full-time and volunteering in their communities, making it difficult for them to take on the additional duties and responsibilities of an elected official whose schedule most often involves daytime and evening hours (in the end, more modest increases were approved).

As the TC editorial points out, the nature of Council work is part-time and, in my experience, the amount of time devoted to the job can vary depending on one's level of commitment, size and make-up of community and complexity of issues. My understanding from those who served during the 1990's, however, is that the work has definitely changed since then and has become more complex, particularly since 2001, due in part to greater provincial government downloading to local governments. Nevertheless, in my opinion, time commitments for the average Council member cannot yet be compared to a full-time private or public sector job. And while some will argue that the annual stipend is not enough, the TC Editorial states, "...increasingly, municipal councils in B.C. seem to view elected office as just another form of employment...it places self-interest ahead of the public interest." The editorial adds "...it raises personal ambition above the needs of the community. And it invites the rise of lifetime politicians who will do anything to stay in power and perpetuate their income."

In my nearly 5 years as an elected official, I am pleased to say that I have met very few municipal Council members who would fit that rather jaded description. In my view, most of my Council colleagues across the CRD behave and believe in working as "servants of the public," keeping always the public's best interests at heart. They dedicate long hours to the role of Councilor and longer hours to the role of Mayor. North Saanich is lucky, for example, to have elected a Mayor and Council majority whom I believe reflect the very best of what service to the public means.

As the TC Editorial concludes, many of us continue to believe that "the traditional service-based approach [to the work of local government] is more healthy." While the TC editorial is highly critical and makes some valid points, I believe that "whopping increases" are still not the norm. I do believe that we need "broader guidelines that would apply to all municipalities" so that the tax paying public can be confident that the quality of local government they receive is not tied simply to the amount of remuneration that elected officials believe they deserve. As altruistic as it may sound, holding public office at the local level is a matter of public service. We are, at the end of the day, "servants of the public" and as local governments, closest to our constituents.

Creeping Development Not Unique to Our Area

2010-08-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

I was interested to read this week in the British newspaper The Guardian, an article titled "The Creeping Spread of Built-Up in Britain." It indicates that "thousands of British wildlife habitats, including refuges for some of the country's rarest species and sites..." recognized the world over for their significance to the eco- system/nature, are threatened by development." For those of us fortunate enough to have traveled to Britain and to have spent time in the countryside, I had always admired the British for their land use planning, based partly on history and partly on modern land use principles, that I believed successfully preserved rural Britain. Until now it seems.

I first visited England in 1972 and drove 2,400 miles in 3 weeks, much to the astonishment of the car rental agency. As I drove from the South Coast of England all the up way to Ullapool in Western Scotland (and back again), I loved how the rural landscape was dotted by small, compact villages, with great tracts of green and sometimes remote spaces in between. I also loved the seaside communities, where beaches and waterfront were completely open to the public and one could walk as far as the eye could see. It was true, Britain was the quaint, bucolic and magic country that I had imagined, a place steeped in ancient history that somehow had managed to preserve its landmarks, heritage sites and unique landscapes through centuries of growth and development.

Now it appears that "land-grabs, from small gardens to major housing estates, ports and roads, is revealed...as the Guardian launches a project called Piece by Piece, exposing the creeping [development] threat to Britain's natural world."

Sound familiar? It should because, as you many of you are aware, it appears to be the same reality that I believe threatens places such as Central and North Saanich, other rural and natural areas in the CRD and Southern Vancouver Island generally. Johnathon Porritt, one of the UK's most prominent environmental experts, observes that in Britain "The [government] is intent on setting aside some of the restrictions and constraints in the current planning process in a way that will promote local decision-making at the expense of environmental safeguards."

Again, sound all too familiar? It's apparent to me that over the past 10 years, for example, with ongoing devolution of authority by the BC government to local governments, land use planning and decision-making seem to be more fractured and less focused on protection and conservation. There appear to be so many competing interests, influences and downright lobbying in some cases, that government bodies and land use policies designed to protect habitat seem more vulnerable to this constant pressure. And then there is the money. We know that there are huge profits to be made through land development.

In Britain, the figures related to threats posed by development are collected by the Wildlife Trusts Federation, which provided "the most comprehensive review...[and] last year asked for 4,900 projects to be changed or stopped. The Trusts reported that "these were the most damaging schemes [selected] after reviewing 83,000 planning applications." Threats to birds, wildlife and woodlands in Britain represent approximately 2,500 different development projects being fought by a number of conservation organizations throughout the country. It is also reported by Britain's Garden Organic that "one in seven homes in Britain were being built on 'residential' land - mostly gardens...these small patches of land, which sustain wildlife in cities and provide vital corridors for species to reach the countryside, calculates that between 2006 and 2016, a quarter of a million gardens will be concreted and bricked over."

The article concludes that "Natural England, the government countryside agency, this year reported that more than two species a year in England are becoming extinct, and hundreds more are at risk of disappearing. The agency lists development as the second biggest cause of loss, after vast monoculture farms and the widespread use of chemicals." In a country where history is centuries' old and the preservation of tradition is paramount, it is ironic that the one thing Britain seems unable to preserve now is its natural habitats, rural lands and wildlife.

It is my hope, after reading this article, that British Columbians, especially communities at the local level, will learn from land use planning mistakes and work together with agencies, organizations and other governments/jurisdictions to stem the losses to our natural world as those now reported to be occurring in Britain.

To read this article in its entirety, please visit the Manchester Guardian website on this blog.

Hot Weather "Inflames" Coastal Areas

2010-07-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

A wildfire risk-advisory, dated July 30, 2010, has been jointly issued by the Coastal Fire Centre, provincial Ministry of Forests and Range and the BC Forest Service. The advisory warns that an extended period of hot and dry weather, without any rain, has dried forests, particularly fuel on the ground. Duff Codes, codes used to measure drought and moisture, are higher than this time last year, which has increased the risk of easy fire ignition and challenging suppression should a wildfire occur. Reports further suggest that fires are growing more quickly and taking more resources to contain compared to just a week ago. Current fire/weather outlooks for next week indicate the potential for dry lightening throughout Southern B.C. but it is expected that these lightening events will not include any appreciable moisture.

Please take note of the following information:
Report all fires as soon as possible to the Coastal Fire Centre 24-hour emergency number at 250-951-4200, providing details about location, size, behaviour and current resources, either deployed or needed. To report a wildfire call 1-800-663-5555 or by cell at *5555.

Please use extreme caution in all North Saanich parks, on trails, at beaches and around your homes where there are extensive tree canopies and/or in areas designated as a wildfire hazard. For further questions about local issues, please contact Chief Gary Wilton at the North Saanich Municipal Hall, 250-656-0781. Thank you.

A Steep Hill To Climb?

2010-07-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Update on the Public Meeting Held July 14, 2010 - Vantreight Hill Development

Reports I have received from North Saanich (NS) and Central Saanich (CS) residents who attended the July 14th public hearing on the Vantreight Hill development proposal suggest that those for and against were fairly evenly split, with perhaps a majority of the audience expressing their opposition to the proposal. I understand that the room was packed and the hearing continued until well after midnight. Speakers were apparently given about 5 minutes each to make comments and the Chair, Central Saanich (CS) Councilor Ron Kubek, managed the meeting well. Reports are that the crowd was orderly and CS Council members listened carefully to what was being said.

Much of the public concern expressed by opponents at the hearing seems to focus on such issues as:
-- gradual loss of agricultural land to large scale development totally out of character with rural Central Saanich
-- development is well outside CS's urban containment boundary
-- increased tax burden for taxpayers related to provision of increased services to housing development (water, sewer, roads and other amenities)
-- CS Councilors reminded about their election promises to uphold Official Community Plan
-- residents want to save local farms but developing rural land to do so does not seem an option they support
-- recent review of Official Community Plan by CS residents reaffirmed community's support of an urban containment boundary
-- majority expressed unequivocally that rural lands are not to be "held" pending future development
-- erosion by CS Council members of local community decision-making, especially related to rural and agricultural lands
-- core to the issue are the regional implications related to the Regional Sustainability Strategy (formerly known as the Regional Growth Strategy or RGS)

I have also learned that there is another possible issue related to sewage treatment and wastewater that may, in the end, involve the CRD. My understanding is that there is a CRD bylaw known as #2312 which sets out the process for subdivision where on site sewage treatment is identified. It means in this case that if the bylaw is applicable, the Vantreights and CS Council may have to seek CRD approval for this development after all. At the time of writing this article, I did not have confirmation about the bylaw's fine print, about whether this bylaw is still current or whether it would apply to the Vantreight Hill Development.

North Saanich Mayor Alice Finall and Councilor Peter Chandler also attended the public hearing and observed that those in favour of the development of course included the Vantreights, their supporters and staff that work at their operation. I understand that based on the feedback from the meeting, this will be a complex and difficult decision for the CS Council. North Saanich is taking a special interest in the outcome because of the possible negative impact on NS residents living adjacent to the site, in the SEQ.

Large development decisions are never easy for those elected to make the decision but the overriding question decision-makers must always ask themselves, "What is the overall benefit to the community and its residents?" Other reports from the meeting suggest that there still remain many unanswered questions about the impacts of this proposal, including traffic, water, sewage and regional concerns about unplanned growth in rural areas. Stay tuned...

POSTSCRIPT:
VANTREIGHT PUBLIC HEARING
In response to my article on the July 14th Public Hearing on the Vantreight Hill Proposal, readers who attended the Hearing have e-mailed me to request that I add two further important points raised that evening:

A petition of 800 signatures opposing the development was presented at the meeting by a citizens' group
Those opposed to the development spoke repeatedly about the fact that the personal financial dilemma the Vantreights find themselves in has nothing to do with Central Saanich.

Water, Cool Clear Water

2010-07-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

During spring and summer months, there are always concerns about water consumption and drought conditions throughout the province. I have just received information from the provincial government that provides two websites that will give regular updated information on water and drought conditions affecting water consumption. Hope you find these websites useful and of interest.

For information on the water supply outlook, go to: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/rfc/index.htm

For information on drought management go to: www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/public_safety/drought_info/index

Task Force Recs Will Be Implemented by Government

2010-07-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

Four More Years -- Local Elections' Task Force Report's 31 Recommendations Will Be Implemented by BC Government

You will recall that I wrote about the Local Elections' Task Force a few months ago, established in January 2010 by the BC Government in consultation with UBCM. In fact, I made a submission to the group (posted on this blog) articulating my concerns and making a few suggestions for changes to local government elections processes. The long-awaited Task Force Report was released on May 28th along with 31 recommendations for changes as to how British Columbians elect their local governments. The BC Government states that it intends to implement all 31 recommendations through legislation that will be introduced in the 2011 Spring session, just in time for the next round of local elections in November 2011.

I understand that the guiding principles and terms of reference for the Task Force were as follows:

-- Improve access, accountability, transparency, fairness and honesty
-- Provide greater consistency with provincial/federal election rules
-- Encourage flexibility so that the unique needs of local governments are reflected
-- Provide balance and efficiency

I would suggest that these guiding principles also reflected the goal of greater public and candidate participation in local elections. But chief among the Task Force recommendations is to increase the existing 3-year election term to 4 years.

While I understand the rationale behind this recommendation (need for greater continuity and more time for local governments to achieve their goals), it is also argued that a longer term may discourage potential candidates from running for local office, given the 4-year commitment. I sincerely hope not. Yes, the decision to run for local office is a big commitment and one that, if you are elected, can carry with it an almost 24/7 level of responsibility. But if ordinary citizens who are quality candidates stop running because they feel that they are unable to commit to a 4-year term, then over time, part of the thrust of the Task Force and its report may be somewhat diminished.

Let's hope that members of the public will not be discouraged from becoming actively involved in local government, as voters but more importantly, as candidates. I believe that local government is closest to the people, has the greatest potential to make a difference to the community and its residents and is one of the most important elections in which we participate. Whether you are a voter, an elected official or a volunteer, if the results of this Task Force and its recommendations encourage greater public participation in local government elections by all British Columbians, then I feel that the Task Force will have made a positive difference to our democratic process.

Two Events Celebrated

2010-06-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Good Weather Brings Out Good Crowd For Parks
Good weather was the backdrop to this weekend's North Saanich Parks Commission Open House at Municipal Hall. Taking the opportunity to showcase the new Parks Plan, Commission members and North Saanich staff members went to a lot of work to set up displays of all kinds, including live plant demonstrations (compliments of Russell Nursery), maps, questionnaires, planning displays and, of course, refreshments. Held between 1:00 and 4:00 PM, the Open House was, in my opinion, well attended and generated a lot of interaction between the public and Parks Commission members, North Saanich staff and Councilors Scoones (Parks Commission Liaison), Chandler and Green.

Joan Gibb staffed the Dominion Brook Park display and is such a keen spokesperson on behalf of the Board that anyone would want to join the Society and certainly spend time at the Park. In fact, we have some great ambassadors who work tirelessly on behalf of North Saanich parks and the Commission. I am impressed with their dedication and commitment, given that they are all volunteers and I am also impressed with the help and support of North Saanich staffers such as Kelly Albucz, Lisa Coburn, Dawn Gould, Brian Robinson and others, who gave up their Saturday to lend a hand to the Open House. Forgive me if I have missed anyone.

The buzz while I attended was that the Open House was a big success, as was public participation in a questionnaire designed to elicit feedback on ranking which parks' projects deserve first priority over the next 4 and a half years. Beach accesses, trails, viewpoints and related projects are explored in the questionnaire, with an additional section asking respondents to list their own suggestions for neighbourhood or community projects. Neighbourhoods identified in the questionnaire include Ardmore, Central, Cloake Hill/Horth Hill, Curteis Point/McDonald Park, Dean Park, Deep Cove and the Southeast.

A big THANKS to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the Parks Commission Open House so successful and to the public who took the time to attend and find out what the Parks Commission, with your support and input, has planned for the future.

Councilor Anny Scoones and Dawn Gould

Joan Gibb of Dominion Brook Park

Center Parks Plan Display

Parks Commission Member Talking to Resident

Parks Commission Chair Farrell Boyce

Segment of Wall Display on Parks Plan

Staffer and Admin Support to Commission, Kelly Albucz

Lieutenant-Governor Point Opens Commemorative Firefighters' Park
Chief Gary Wilton and our North Saanich Volunteer Firefighters Association scored a major honour when they managed to book Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point to attend and open the ceremony to recognize long service firefighters and a commemorative park recently established at the corner of Wain and West Saanich Roads, on the grounds of the Wain Rd. Firehall. Councilor Ruby Commandeur, as Acting Mayor, made remarks on behalf of the District of North Saanich and Mayor Alice Finall and Councilors Chandler, Scoones, Shaw and I also attended. Other dignitaries included MLA Murray Coell and MP Gary Lunn, along with BC's Fire Commissioner Rebecca Denlinger.

It was a warm sunny afternoon as firefighters, their families and friends and members of the public gathered at the new park site for the ceremony. The park is a wonderful commemoration to the dedication and sacrifice made by our volunteer firefighters on behalf of North Saanich. Our volunteers routinely put themselves in harm's way to protect the health and well-being of over 11,000 local residents. They also work with other communities when required and are a testament to the commitment of volunteer firefighters serving on the Saanich Peninsula. In fact, His Honour Steven Point reminded us about the importance of volunteerism and how giving back to our communities is truly an honourable achievement. In my opinion, North Saanich is particularly fortunate to have a long and impressive history of volunteerism by those whose tremendous efforts support our community at so many levels.

The ceremony went on to recognize individual firefighters Greg Smith and Ray Halsall for Provincial Exemplary Service Medals, Ken Herlinveaux, Russell Flower, Alex Bonare, Monte Taylor, George Hartshorne, Ed Banas, Pat Phillips and Gary Wilton for Park Dedication and Life Membership and a host of "rookies," newly recruited volunteers who have just completed over 700 hours of training to qualify as firefighters.

Congratulations to Chief Gary Wilton and our North Saanich Volunteer Firefighters! And thank you for the beautiful park space (all done by volunteers and local sponsors), space that not only serves to recognize firefighters but also provides a place of public respite and enjoyment for anyone who passes by.

Members Piped and Escorted into Ceremony

Left to Right: Councilor Ruby Commandeur, MLA Murray Coell, MP Gary Lunn, North Saanich Fire Chief Gary Wilton and His Honour Steven Point, Lieutenant-Governor of B.C.

The Plaque Waiting to be Unveiled

North Saanich Fire Fighters

Councilor and Acting Mayor Ruby Commandeur Shaking Hands with His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor

Chief Gary Wilton and BC Fire Commissioner Rebecca Denlinger

Happiness and Well-Being Survey Released

2010-06-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

Greater Victoria Happiness and Well-Being Survey Released

Implemented by a partnership of eight organizations in Greater Victoria such as the United Way, the University of Victoria, City of Victoria, Community Council, CRD and VIHA, among others, the Greater Victoria Well-being Survey report on health was released this month. Some of the elements measured include:
• environmental vitality
• governance quality
• social and community vitality
• time balance
• cultural vitality
• physical and mental health

The survey was mailed in November 2008 to a random sample of Capital Region residents and 2,400 responses were returned by January 2009. Highlights of the results include the following data:
• income level is the most important aspect of health but goes beyond just the "rich" vs. "poor" comparison
• health and well-being are strongly connected (known as 'satisfaction with life')
• beyond income level, social support, family and friends and community involvement/participation in cultural, educational and recreational events were also significant factors to a sense of well-being

In my view, these results, while not necessarily surprising, do confirm for all of us that income levels and socialization seem to be important contributors to one's self assessment of his/her quality of life. For a more complete summary of the report, please visit the website of the Victoria Foundation at http://www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca

North Saanich Farm Market Opens for Business!

2010-06-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

North Saanich Farm Market Opening and Sunshine Bring Out Good Crowd

What better combination is there than warm sunshine, friendly crowds and fresh market fare? That's exactly what greeted me at the grand opening of North Saanich's Farm Market, behind St. John's Church on West Saanich Rd. Marking its third year, the market was officially opened on June 5 by Mayor Alice Finall, one of the driving forces behind the first farm market. While browsing the market, I happily bumped into provincial MLA Lana Popham (agriculture advocate and Saanich farmer), Councilors Chandler and Commandeur (local blueberry farmer) and School Board Trustee Allan Collier. The market was also flooded with residents from all over the Peninsula, many carrying bags of fresh produce from a variety of stands.

Local artist Jo Hadfield could hardly lift her large black bag overflowing with fresh lettuces, complaining that the veggies seemed heavier this year. Writer M.A.C. Farrant and husband Terry were enjoying fresh toast and jam while Christine Richards, NSRA Board member and her husband Hugh, greeted everyone with a warm smile and big hug. Susan Chandler, Penny Gibbs and Diana Chown of the North Saanich Food for the Future Society (the Farm Market organizer and sponsor), were on duty ensuring that growers and sellers were well looked after. Mayor Alice Finall also pointed out Barbara Brennan in the crowd, Chair of North Saanich's Agricultural Advisory Commission and owner of Bailiwick Farm. Former North Saanich Councilor Heather Goulet also attended, herself an accomplished gardener and pottery artist.

A bustling morning was punctuated with some great music and vocals by the band Water in the Crawl Space, with one of the band members Farrell Boyce front and center. Besides being a local musician, Farrell is also Chair of the North Saanich Parks Commission. Yes, it was a perfect opening, with great people, great weather and great produce, flowers and baking galore.

Please support the North Saanich Farm Market and make its third season the best ever! By the way, did you know that over half of the arable land in North Saanich is actively farmed? So please get out and support our local growers and suppliers and do your part to enhance agriculture in North Saanich and on the Saanich Peninsula.

And don't forget, the market runs every Saturday morning from 9:30 to noon, right behind St. John's Church across from Deep Cove Elementary School on West Saanich Road. Once again, we owe our thanks to Janet Silman and the Church for providing market space and helping to keep the dream of a local farm market alive.

Saturday Forum Examines How We Move

2010-05-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

The CRD hosted one of its semi-annual Forum of Councils' workshops on the weekend, a half day devoted to transportation planning priorities and challenges that lay ahead for this region. Titled "The Path to Sustainable Transportation -- One Step Closer," municipal officials and staffers from all over the CRD, joined by provincial MLAs and others, gathered for a morning of keynote addresses, video presentations and a glimpse of what our future transportation needs will be over the next 25 years.

I attended the forum with Mayor Alice Finall and Councilor Peter Chandler and, take note, we carpooled in Councilor Chandler's hybrid vehicle. I also noticed that our Central Saanich Council colleagues, Councilors Olsen, Mason and Bryson, carpooled to the forum too, which was held at a downtown Victoria hotel.

The forum opened with a presentation by Dave Byng, COO of the Province's Transportation and Infrastructure Ministry. He showed a promotional video made by the BC Liberal government to showcase their "mega-transportation" projects completed or planned for locations all over BC. Curiously absent from the video were Vancouver Island and our capital city Victoria, a fact that did not go unnoticed by the audience of nearly 100. Mayor Dean Fortin expressed his disappointment, as did others. Mr. Byng then willingly took some tough questions and comments from the audience but it was clear to me and to everyone else I suspect that he was not in a position to provide any concrete answers.

A CRD presentation followed by General Manager of Planning and Protective Services Robert Lapham that outlined the CRD's regional policies, long term planning and implementation priorities and investment strategies to address the following transportation key elements:

Environment
Growth
Demographics
Housing affordability
Economics
Sustainability

Mike Davis, VP of Business Development and CIO of BC Transit, talked about planning priorities that include linking transportation with growth centres (Western Communities for example), climate change initiatives and the 2008 Provincial Transit Plan. We also heard how we must focus on travel choices that involve alternative modes of transportation such as electric cars, cycling and pedestrian networks, the fast bus and the E&N Rail Trail.

Mr. Davis stressed that although Portland, Ore. is touted as the leader among North American cities for its public transportation alternatives, Victoria is a "transit-oriented" community with bus ridership that exceeds Portland's. He also talked about the power of choice and used Copenhagen as an example of how the population made a monumental shift in its transportation choices, resulting in today's model that is a world-class example of sustainability and efficiency.

The last part of the morning was spent with Halcrow Consulting Inc., a British-based consulting firm (with an office in Vancouver) that specializes in planning of all types. They introduced us to an electronic consultation process that produced data based on audience responses to various transportation questions.

It was evident that the majority of the audience believe that transportation is a critical planning priority for not only individual communities but for the whole region. We also acknowledged the strong link between land use management and transportation management, the need for regional coordination to identify transportation corridors and the following decision-making options that include:

Status-quo -- making decision at the local level only
Local level decisions via regional guidelines
Local level decision via regional policy
Decisions made at the regional level only

I agree at this stage that collaboration between regional and municipal levels of government is a decision-making model that will help us to focus on setting transportation priorities and investments for the future.

The workshop ended with the CRD collecting our feedback results to help inform next steps in planning and consultation on transportation across the region.

Shining A Light on Municipal Elections

2010-05-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

I read with interest last week two articles by Vancouver Sun reporters Lori Culbert and Chad Skelton who explore what they argue is a lack of transparency related to municipal campaign financing and the ability of those with money and influence to tilt the outcomes of municipal and local government elections. It appears that while the majority of voters tend to "ignore" municipal elections, Culbert and Skelton suggest that "those with money pay close attention." To support this argument, the Vancouver Sun created a database of Lower Mainland campaign donations that "reveals that a relatively small group of deep- pocketed donors wields disproportionate influence on the financing of municipal races, accounting for a huge share of the money raised by local candidates and parties."

But who are these well-heeled supporters? Well, it appears that many of these donors "have direct business with the city councils they help elect -- mainly developers hoping for zoning changes..." The data base also reveals that in some instances, union groups who represent municipal employees also donate to municipal election campaigns. Data compiled by the Vancouver Sun illustrates that over "4,500 businesses and individuals made donations to the city-hall candidates in Metro Vancouver in the lead up to the November 2008 election. Yet just 50 of them (or 1 per cent of all donors) accounted for nearly a third of all the money raised."

We know that campaign funding transparency exists for provincial and federal election campaigns and that all the information is available to the public online. But in the case of municipal elections, transparency seems to be a problem. The Sun reporters state that "such transparency has never existed at the municipal level in B.C. Some city halls put campaign-finance data online, but only in the form of scanned copies of disclosure forms filled out by the candidates." They suggest that other municipalities don't put anything on their websites at all, forcing voters "to visit city hall in person to flip through a binder of the forms."

One only has to pick up the newspaper these days to see stories about the potential for conflict of interest, political manipulation, questionable practices and poor judgment related to local government and its decisions about land use. Knowing which organizations, businesses and individuals fund municipal candidates and their campaigns is therefore, in my opinion, critical information for voters, especially when you consider that local government spends about 80% or more of its time either making significant land use decisions or making significant policy about land use decisions. After all, there is a lot of money at stake.

I believe that voters should know who really drives the bus and just where the bus is going. As voters and taxpayers, I urge you to stay informed and to get to know your candidates at election time and in between. Ask yourselves, "Who represents the community and how grass roots are they?" Pay a visit to the North Saanich municipal hall at 1620 Mills Rd. and ask to see the financial disclosure statements filed by all the candidates who ran in the last municipal election.

And for more information on the Vancouver Sun articles, please visit http://www.vancouversun.com/donors. For more information about local government and municipal elections, please visit www.localelectionstaskforce.gov.bc.ca

Have Your Say!

2010-03-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

I may have mentioned before that the Province recently announced the creation of a Local Elections Task Force to investigate and make recommendations for improvement related to the local government election process. The Task Force will explore issues such as campaign finances, enforcement and outcomes of election rules and regulations, role of appointed officials such as Chief Electoral Officer, existing election cycle or term of office for locally elected officials (currently three years) and other issues previously raised by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), of which locally elected individuals such as Mayors, Councilors and Regional Directors, among others, are members.

The following is my response to the Task Force's request for feedback and I am happy to share it with you.

In the meantime, I encourage you to contact the Task Force with your comments, suggestions and ideas to improve local government elections. I believe there is a real need for improvement, as you will see from my comments. The Local Elections Task Force can be reached through their website at www.localelectionstaskforce.gov.bc.ca

Please take the time to participate and have your say about how local elections can be improved and administered so that your voice and the needs of your community are not lost after all the ballots are counted.
______________

First and foremost, all municipal elections should be conducted through Elections BC, just as with provincial elections; this same administrative infrastructure can provide oversight, controls, accountability and processes, pursuant to existing and/or new legislation. Related to the election process, there should be few, if any, differences between provincial and local elections, apart from the obvious legislative statutes/rules that differentiate local from provincial jurisdiction and authority.

Campaign Finance, including contribution/spending disclosure and limits, and tax credits
This is the most significant area needing better oversight and accountability. There is a quotation, "The smaller the community, the easier it is to corrupt." While no one wants to admit to corruption and it is hard to prove, it can emerge in a more benign form as "campaign irregularities." Such dynamics occur most often because of the high stakes related to local land use decisions. My experience running in three local elections and observing another local election in a neighbouring community, points to the need for new enforcement and accountability processes that "shine a light in the dark corners" of our local communities where personal agendas or private interests sometimes trump the common good and community best interests.
Financial limits should also be placed on campaigns. A campaign for the position of Mayor, Councilor, Trustee or Regional Director should have spending limits tied to a per centage of the annual stipend for each position. For example, if the Mayor's position earns $25,000 a year, then a candidate running for Mayor could have a campaign spending limit of up to 35% of the stipend amount. There are as many formulae as there are locally elected positions but whatever is decided, the formula should be applied consistently across the Province.

Disclosures should be tightly controlled and transparent, to prevent campaign organizers, lobbyists, corporations and private individuals from having undue influence or from hiding donations to individual campaigns. In the case of corporate or organizational donations, they should either be prohibited completely or capped. The ceiling for Individual donations should be lowered and all details about lobby groups, corporations or organizations, including the names of its principals, directors, terms of reference or purpose and any other relevant information should be disclosed in full as part of the public reporting process.

Enforcement process and outcomes
This area needs vast improvement. In my opinion, there appears to be a lack of clarity and consistency about the application of rules and sanctions during local elections. When legislative rules appear to have been violated during a local election, enforcement processes seem vulnerable to subjective interpretation; it is often unclear as to whom is responsible to report, enforce, investigate and process infractions or impose sanctions.

Local election processes seem to vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as do enforcement and outcomes. Where there has been a clear breach or violation, It does not seem fair or appropriate that members of the public are left to pursue the matter and in some cases, bear the costs of investigation and prosecution.

I suggest that Elections BC is the arm's length body that should provide the enforcement framework for local government elections, leading I hope to a fair, consistent and transparent application of relevant legislation and sanctions in every local jurisdiction across the Province.

Role of chief electoral officer in local government elections
I do not believe that local government staff should act as or serve in the capacity of Chief Electoral Officer during local government elections; the Chief Electoral Officer should be independent, appointed directly by the Province and directly accountable to Elections BC. The practice of appointing local government staff members appears to be a common one in many jurisdictions but creates, in my opinion, an untenable situation for staff who, ultimately, report to the incumbent Mayor and Council. Whether real or perceived in the eyes of the public, this situation creates the potential for conflict of interest and for compromising the entire election process and the staff who are involved.

Election cycle (term of office)
I suggest no change to the existing three-year term of office.

Other agreed upon matters (UBCM, etc.)
The one area where I believe that UBCM has tried to make a difference to local election outcomes relates to restrictions on who can run for and hold local government office.

One Lower Mainland community urged UBCM to consider a resolution that would restrict real estate agents and land developers from running and holding local office. I believe that this is a sound recommendation and should be seriously considered for implementation by the task force, given that the majority of local government decision-making and business involves land use decisions.

Any potential loopholes should also be addressed to avoid the situation where, for example, the realtor or land developer suspends temporarily, for the purposes of the election process, their activities and/or assigns responsibilities/holdings/commercial activities to a silent partner or family member. Rather, I suggest that the realtor or land developer should be proved, through a public process, to be "inactive," with no interests whatsoever, in their respective business or profession, for a minimum of three consecutive years prior to their candidacy and/or election.

For relevant background on this important issue, please refer to the precedent-setting 2005 Supreme Court case, Godfrey et. al. vs. Bird.

Agricultural Area Plan Open House Brings Out Nearly 100

2010-02-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Open House to showcase the new North Saanich draft Agricultural Area Plan was considered a great success with nearly 100 people attending. Mayor Finall and Councilors Chandler, Commandeur (herself an organic blueberry grower), Scoones and myself joined members of the North Saanich Agricultural Advisory Commission (AAC) (Chaired by Barb Brennan of Bailiwick Farm), consultant Derek Masselink and other local farmers, growers and agricultural enthusiasts as we all crowded into Council Chambers at the municipal hall to mingle, browse displays, hear the consultant's presentation, nibble on local finger foods and share opinions about what it takes to successfully support local agriculture.

There are as many opinions about how best to promote local farming as there are flowers to count in Victoria in spring. Some farmers seem skeptical (and you can hardly blame them) about how local governments can really help farmers and farming when so many of the issues they face are to them much more about rules and regulations at the regional, provincial and national levels. Such topics as farm assessments and tax regulations, land use and development, multi-nationals and agri-marketing, land values and availability, food inspection control/regulations, lack of local meat processing capability and transportation are just a few of the daunting challenges that many farmers and others believe do more to obstruct farming than encourage it.

Farmers and growers warn that if we (communities and governments) don't soon do something meaningful to make farming more viable, there will be no farms left to pass to next generations. Canadians will rely more and more heavily on multi-nationals and big box stores to provide off-shore food -- and we're told that can be a high risk dependency, especially here on Vancouver Island if there is ever a major catastrophe and all transportation links are severed.

These reasons and more are all part of the decision by North Saanich Council to take a pro-active approach to agriculture by becoming, I understand, the first municipality in the CRD to complete its agricultural area plan (I'm also told that Central Saanich is in the process of planning and Salt Spring Island completed their plan over a year ago). North Saanich's Plan involves five key strategies:

economic viability
leadership and governance
protection and stewardship
education and training
community health

Participation of the AAC, an on-line public survey, two community dialogue sessions and interviews with North Saanich agricultural producers and stakeholders formed key parts of the consultation process that ended with Saturday's Open House. Survey questionnaires were also handed out to Saturday's participants and the feedback will be integrated into the final Plan draft, ready sometime in March for presentation to North Saanich Council. Please watch for the Council agenda where the final draft will be presented and discussed by Council and visit the North Saanich website to read or download a copy of the current Plan draft. Kudos and thanks to municipal staffer Lisa Coburn who helped so much with putting this event on. Thanks too to the AAC and to Councilor Anny Scoones.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Barb Brennan or Councilor Anny Scoones through the municipal hall at 250-656-0781.

Celebrated Food Advocate Gives Valentine's Day Message

2010-02-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

"Deconstructing Dinner" Radio Host Jon Steinman Gives Keynote

Sponsored by the North Saanich Food for the Future Society, Valentine's Day at the Chalet Muse Winery was sold out for Jon Steinman, radio broadcaster and host of the national food show "Deconstructing Dinner," also available on podcast and ranked by Apple iTunes as Canada's top food podcast. Based in Nelson, B.C. at Kootenay co-op radio CJLY, Mr. Steinman is part of an award-winning independent media network working for a food secure Canada. Besides hosting his popular radio show, he travels and speaks to communities and organizations all over the country who are concerned about food production, transportation and safety.

Mr. Steinman presents a variety of challenges, issues and problems facing the Canadian consumer when it comes to food and warns against the threats to our food system of agri-business multi-national conglomerates such as CarGill and Monsanto. He talks about the need for resilient food secure communities and cites a variety of successful co-operative and local food growing examples from Nelson and elsewhere. He also tries to answer such questions as:

why do tomatoes look so perfect and how much fuel did it take to bring them from Mexico?
my neighbour grows tomatoes so why doesn't my local market sell his tomatoes?
what do 'organic and non-organic' mean?
why does organic produce require more packaging and labeling than non-organic?
why is 'fair trade' and 'unfair trade' coffee made by the same company?

In his presentation on February 14, Mr. Steinman explored some of the answers to these questions and left us with a strong message: Get involved, get organized and get active in supporting local food production and marketing. It may be as simple as planting your own fruit or nut tree or vegetable garden, raising eggs with 2 or 3 chickens or supporting your local farm market. Or it may require wide-scale involvement through creation of a local co-op program and marketing strategy. Whatever your community decides to do, Mr. Steinman challenged us to do something.

For more information and to get a list of radio stations who carry his program, archived shows and podcasts, please visit Jon Steinman's Deconstructing Dinner website at www.deconstructingdinner.ca

Thanks to the North Saanich Food for the Future Society for bringing this event to North Saanich, to the Chalet Muse Winery for providing the venue and to all of those who attended. Please don't forget to support "Growing Home" and your North Saanich Farm Market, which has winter market events and will open in June for its second full summer season.

CRD Committee Votes to Uphold Regional Growth Strategy

2010-01-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

I attended, along with residents from North Saanich, Central Saanich and others from around the region, a meeting on January 27, 2010 of the CRD's Planning, Transportation and Protective Services Committee, of which most Mayors and selected Councilors are Directors. This is the standing committee that deals with regional planning issues, including those related to the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), the strategy upon which municipalities base their Official Community Plans and Regional Context Statements, ensuring that they are all consistent.

This meeting was significant because we wanted to hear the Committee's decision on an agenda item referred by the Municipality of Central Saanich to the CRD for review -- the contentious and high profile Vantreight 89-unit hilltop housing development proposed for the Northwest corner of the Vantreight farm property.

As you may know, this development proposal has been in the news on and off for the past 2+ years, raising community concerns in both North and Central Saanich. My understanding is that it is also a hot topic at Central Saanich Council meetings and among community groups, because of concern about impacts of high density housing on farmland and implications for the newly minted Central Saanich Official Community Plan.

I also understand that while this development proposal was initially questioned by Central Saanich planning staff and the municipality's Advisory Planning Commission, the proposal continued to move ahead, survived an intervening municipal election in November 2008 and picked up new Council support from new Council members in 2009. Nevertheless, Central Saanich Council recently voted to send the proposal to the CRD for their review, perhaps because they suspected it might not meet the test for compliance with the RGS. If not, it would then require an amendment approved by the CRD Board, a process that can be lengthy, protracted and with uncertain outcomes. Just ask Highlands Mayor Jane Mendum.

The CRD staff report was clear -- the proposal as it stands, does not comply with the RGS and will require CRD Board approval for a change to the Regional Context Statement in Central Saanich's OCP. In my view, CRD staff deserve kudos for calling it like they saw it because it was obvious that the majority of speakers and Committee Directors saw it exactly the same way, based on their remarks and on the votes at the table.

Only one Committee Alternate Director voted against the CRD staff recommendation and that was Councilor John Garrison of Central Saanich. Speakers strongly in favour of the proposal were Central Saanich Councilor and realtor Ron Kubek, Ryan Vantreight and developer Merv Mawson (remember Cresswell Subdivision?). Other speakers against the development proposal included Vicky Husband of the Regional Planning Society, Nathalie and David Chambers of Madrona Farm and Farmers of the Future Society, Gordon O'Connor of the Dogwood Initiative, Ian Cameron of Residents and Ratepayers of Central Saanich Society, Ed Johnson of Farmlands Trust, Ethan Krindle of the U-Vic Environmental Law Centre and residents of Central and North Saanich.

Chaired by Mayor Graham Hill of View Royal, the Committee then debated the issue at length, with all but two members (Mayor Janet Evans of Sooke and Councilor Garrison) citing the need to uphold the RGS and protect the integrity of farmland. Mayor Alice Finall of North Saanich spoke articulately about a variety of reasons why she supported the CRD staff recommendation, specifically referring to the need to adhere to the RGS and to preserve precious farmland on the Saanich Peninsula.

In my opinion, the final vote was a victory not only for the RGS but also for a community grass roots' movement inspired in part by North Saanich resident Mrs. Hildegard Horie. Mrs. Horie has been "rallying the troops" for as long as the Vantreight proposal has been in the hopper. Mrs. Horie, with the support of her family and neighbours, has proved that effective political activism can start in someone's kitchen over a cup of coffee and grow to a community-wide movement with regional support.

It is clear to me that many Peninsula residents are committed to making a difference and shining a light on a development proposal that they believe will have a negative impact on their neighbourhoods, their communities and the region as a whole. Stay tuned...

Volunteers Answer the Call

2010-01-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

As you know, at this time every year, Mayor and Council recruit new volunteers to serve on a variety of municipal Commissions/Committees, on the Victoria Airport Authority Board and on the Peninsula Recreation Commission. I am pleased to report that again this year, a group of highly qualified and enthusiastic new and returning volunteers stepped up to the plate to serve our community. What is even more encouraging is the number of young people and new residents who responded to the call.

The volunteer demographic this year is good news for North Saanich! It seems that young families are indeed moving here, neighbourhoods are changing and student enrollment at Kelset School is up this year. These are all signs that North Saanich is an attractive destination for new residents and families who want to live in one of the safest communities in the province. Taxes are manageable (about the second lowest tax rate in the CRD), recreation is both diverse and accessible, rural and natural environments are some of the most pristine on Southern Vancouver Island and two major transportation hubs, Victoria International Airport and BC Ferries, are at our doorstep. With a new elementary school already open and a new middle school planned to open next year, it's clear to me that North Saanich is a vibrant active community that continues to draw people who want to escape the urban crush and raise their families in a community that offers unique amenities.

I am grateful to the many volunteers who have served and continue to serve on North Saanich Commissions and Committees. By the way, we still have two vacancies on the Heritage Advisory Commission and will be advertising shortly to fill these positions. If you would like more information about the Heritage Commission or are interested in applying, please contact Charlene Nash or Curt Kingsley at North Saanich Municipal Hall, 250-656-0781 or visit the North Saanich website (below on the right).

First Full Meeting for New Union of BC Municipalities Executive

2010-01-08T12:14:00.000-08:00

As you know, UBCM is a provincial working body representing all municipalities and regional governments across the Province. Meeting in convention every year, UBCM brings together locally-elected representatives for purposes of adopting resolutions, networking, meeting with provincial government officials and attending working sessions and related meetings.

At every convention, a new UBCM Executive is elected by the membership, filling key positions of President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President and Past President. There are also positions that reflect the community diversity that is uniquely British Columbia. These positions represent Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, Small Communities, Electoral Areas, various Regional Associations (ours is the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities Chaired by Mayor Chris Causton of Oak Bay) and Directors at Large. The 2009/2010 Executive group is 19 strong, drawn from Mayors and Councilors around BC.

The November 2009 Executive meeting (a two-day session) was the first full meeting of the newly elected group, with highlights as follows:
•Appointments made to the provincial government's new Local Elections Task Force
•Process approved to develop recommendations related to industrial taxation, including establishing Advisory and Steering Committees
•Work plan approved for consultation related to amending the resolutions process
•Recommendations related to future fire services delivery reviewed
•Supported 2010 conferences on electoral area reform, benefits, regional districts and Chief Administrative Officer forum, environmental issues, local government leadership, RCMP contracting and First Nations
•Considered 2009 Convention resolutions referred to the Executive
•Confirmed Committee appointments
•Agreed to continue working with the provincial government on the farm assessment issue
•Agreed to monitor new Home Inspectors' licencing requirements
•Agreed to lobby provincial government on importance of local government involvement in HST implementation (especially related to hotel and resort room taxation)
•Agreed to consult with local governments on landfill gas capture regulation
•Agreed to monitor implementation of Controlled Alien Species regulation
•Agreed to monitor impact of province's new "Wood First" legislation and regulations

In addition, the following UBCM working Committees were confirmed for 2010:
•Resolutions
•Nominating
•Presidents Committee
•Community Safety
•Environment
•Healthy Communities
•First Nations Relations
•Community Economic Development
•Regional District Task Force

The UBCM Executive will meet again in January 2010 and later in the spring. For further information about UBCM, please visit their website or e-mail them at ubcm@civicnet.bc.ca

Making Meaning from Middle Ground - My View

2010-01-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

It's the beginning of a new year and a new decade and for many of us, a time to also re-assess. In a recent conversation with a Council colleague from another municipality, we talked about our Council work and took some time to reflect on what it means to each of us. At the end of our discussion, my colleague asked the inevitable questions, "Do you find this work meaningful and do you think you make a positive difference?" I hesitated for a moment, thinking to myself that the work has meaning for me but perhaps not for others and, if I do feel I make a positive difference that probably depends on one's perspective. I shared these thoughts with my colleague who replied "Good answer and good luck."

These questions are ones that many of us ask ourselves from time to time. Whether it's about our personal or professional lives, about paid or volunteer work or about elected or appointed positions, we want to know that what we do has meaning for us and for those we serve and makes a difference to others. As a Municipal Councillor, I want to feel that I make a difference, no matter how small. I want to know that, somehow, what I do has shared meaning with my community and its residents. I also want to know that most of my decisions have positive results for others.

Working in a political environment, however, can make it more difficult to always identify positives and realize the meaning of the work. One can sometimes feel like the "meat in the sandwich," squeezed somewhere between the community, the bureaucracy and the politics; and, how tight this squeeze is usually depends on how high the stakes, how complex the issue, how responsive or reactive the community and on how the parties directly involved behave.

I have said before that I believe that the Council Chamber is where people and issues sometimes collide and wherever one happens to be standing at the time of the collision, defines the meaning for them. Put another way, depending on what side of the issue or decision you happen to be on generally defines the experience for you.

I think two other factors have a significant bearing on the meaning and outcome of this work -- sorting out the difference between the reality of what happened and the perception of what happened. If the decision is perceived as a "good" one, where the result is acceptable to all parties, then it's likely that the distance between reality and perception was relatively small. If the decision is perceived as a "poor" one, then it is likely that the distance between reality and perception was large, creating what I call an "understanding gap" between all the parties involved. Trying to find a way to bridge the middle distance between what is real and what is perceived (trying to reach middle ground or to close the gap) when you are dealing with a contentious issue, can be the greatest challenge facing decision-makers. But why?

Well, in my experience, there are often three sides to a situation or issue -- yours, mine and the truth (or facts). It's well researched that each of us sees a situation through our own "lens," hence the saying for the eternally optimistic, "seeing the world through rose-coloured glasses." Every one of us wears a pair of our own glasses that can blur or colour truth or reality based on previous experiences and beliefs. How we see the world around us may cause us to pre-judge, re-interpret or re-define a situation or issue, based on what we believe to be real or true. When someone says to me "Tell me the truth" I am tempted to reply, "But which truth do you want? Yours, mine or the truth?" Your experience and my experience can be totally distinct from one another, so that we each see a situation very differently.

When faced with an issue that requires a decision and a meaningful outcome, the challenge for the decision-maker, as I see it, is separating fact from fiction, getting to the heart of the issue, managing differences and making some sense out of everything. As an aside, when I hear the phrase "using common sense" I admit I have to chuckle. There is nothing "common" about common sense when making difficult decisions about people and issues -- people are complicated and unpredictable and the issues they present are often complex. No two people nor two issues are ever the same and I have learned the hard way that the only thing predictable about people is that they are not.

Specific to Council work, I believe a third factor also defines meaning for each party -- the inherent power and authority imbalance that exists between decision-makers and residents. In a quasi-judicial setting such as a Municipal Council, legislative power in British Columbia to make legal and binding decisions is vested with elected officials through the BC Elections Act, Local Government Act and Community Charter. It is accepted that decision-makers have "power over" others by virtue of their role and responsibilities; it is incumbent, therefore, on decision-makers to use his/her power and authority judiciously and to apply governing legislation, bylaws and policies to local government decision-making in a sensitive, respectful and thoughtful manner. In the case of municipal administration, while residents may not necessarily agree with the final staff or Council decision, it is vitally important to ensure that residents leave the Municipal Hall or Council Chamber feeling heard, understood and respected.

I believe that the recipe for making meaningful decisions that reflect fairness and balance seems to involve a real mix of ingredients -- the situation or context, dynamics, available information, individual perceptions, understanding, parties involved, history, behaviour, personal experiences, legislation and, last but not least, the politics. Then imagine the decision-making process as a kitchen blender, where all these ingredients are thrown together and whirled, tossed and blended to create from this incredible mix a certain "consistency." In the case of Council work, I strive for a "consistency" too, by making decisions that I believe reflect a "blend" of adequate public and staff information, administrative fairness and balance.

I remember once getting some helpful advice from a political mentor who explained the nub of Council work and how best to make meaning out of decision-making. She advised, "There will be many times when you will be trying to make ideal decisions from less than ideal circumstances, trying to find meaning from situations that may have none."

When reflecting on the real meaning of my Council work, it may well be found in how decisions are made rather than in the decisions themselves; regardless of the final decision or outcome, if you leave the North Saanich Council Chamber feeling heard, understood and respected, then for me, that may be the best meaning of all.

More News About Vantreight Development Proposal

2009-12-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

A group of concerned North and Central Saanich citizens recently contacted me and asked that I post on this blog site contact information for them and a brief summary about their efforts. They are working to inform citizens about the proposed density housing development slated for the northwest corner of the Vantreight farm in Central Saanich (at the North Saanich/Central Saanich border). This development has been the subject of public controversy, given its potential impacts on adjacent neighbourhoods, the ALR and land use, the CRD Regional Growth Strategy and on local resources and infrastructure such as roads/traffic, water, waste disposal and energy consumption.

My understanding is that Central Saanich Council moved one step closer at their December 14 Council meeting and voted, among other things, to send the proposal to the CRD's Planning Department for its review. This could be significant to the future of the proposal in my view, given that if the development is found to contravene or compromise Central Saanich's Regional Context statement in its Official Community Plan, then the development proposal becomes the centerpiece in a wider discussion and approval process at the CRD Board table, under the provisions of the Regional Growth Strategy's (RGS) amending formula.

You may recall a similar situation in the Highlands about 2 years ago when a controversial application to provide municipal water to Bear Mountain Resort required an amendment because it contravened the Highlands' Official Community Plan's Regional Context Statement, requiring a referral for decision to the CRD Board. The Highlands decision became a galvanizing issue locally and regionally related to the RGS; I understand that to amend the RGS needs unanimous support of the CRD Board. The CRD Board ultimately turned down the Highlands application, the decision was appealed and mediation by the Province was attempted but failed.

North Saanich Mayor and Council have already forwarded a letter to Central Saanich Mayor and Council outlining our concerns about the proposal, given its extremely close proximity to North Saanich Southeast Quadrant neighbourhoods. To date, I understand that in addition to a variety of land use and environmental concerns, a planned road allowance into the development and lack of sufficient buffering could create significant noise and air pollution from traffic gaining access and egress right through Southeast Quadrant neighbourhoods. Naturally, North Saanich will make every effort to mitigate any impacts on its residents.

For more information about the concerned citizens group, please visit their blog site at http://saveourruralland.blogspot.com. For detailed information about the Vantreight development proposal, please visit the Central Saanich website at www.centralsaanich.ca

Go West To Find Best Municipal Accountability

2009-12-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

In a recent article written for the Vancouver Sun, David Seymour, Senior Policy Analyst at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy and author of the Local Government Performance Index in 2009 (www.fcpp.org) suggests that if you are looking for the highest local government accountability it appears to be in the western Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. He states that "in my review of 75 municipalities across Canada, 6 out of the top 10 were from British Columbia (the rest were from Alberta)."

He points out that accountability and transparency are important principles for local governments, especially when you consider that municipalities are economically significant in Canada. Seymour writes that "taken together, Canada's municipalities represent a roughly $65 billion-per-year industry, or about $1 of every $20 in GDP. He goes on to cite that "at 5 per cent of GDP, a 20 per cent increase in the productivity of municipal government would add a full percentage point to the national wealth."

It also appears that from his observations and research, Seymour concludes that "perhaps the biggest difference between BC municipalities and others...is the quality of reporting that citizens can expect when it comes to finance and service performance...When it comes to questions of providing disclosure on the value of capital assets, whether those values are depreciated according to best practice asset management, definitions are given for the line items that money is spent on or those expenditure areas are associated with measured performance compared to numerical targets, municipal reporting is the best in the West."

He goes on to say that, as with other governments, municipal government is a "natural monopoly" since it is the single source of services. He suggests that "consumers, the people who pay taxes and user fees and use roads, garbage collection and recreational services, don't have the same level of choice in who provides these essential services as they would in a competitive market." Therefore, operating in this context makes it even more of an imperative, Seymour argues, for municipalities to "help residents understand what services are being provided and at what cost, with numerical performance targets and actual performance achievements that are linked to areas of expenditure."

I encourage you to visit the website noted above for more information and detail about the Seymour report.

What Do Canadians Value?

2009-12-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

Royal Roads University recently announced the results of its Canadian National Values Assessment, conducted by the Todd Thomas Institute for Values-Based Leadership. The survey of 1,251 Canadians reveals "a widely shared set of personal values that emphasize relationships and qualities that contribute to social cohesion, such as honesty, family, and caring." Marilyn Taylor, PhD and Director of the Institute, goes on to say that survey results "also show a high level of agreement among Canadians that our culture is being compromised by a serious level of dysfunction in the form of social risks, economic vulnerability and institutional ineffectiveness."

Other indicators of dysfunction were "bureaucracy, unemployment, crime/violence, wasted resources, corruption, and uncertainty about the future." These results cut across gender, age, regions, public and private sectors and ethnicity. The survey also suggests that respondents are calling for a reduction of bureaucracy, better government accountability and a stronger social safety net. Asked to choose "ten values that they would like to see reflected in Canadian society, the highest responses went to accountability, caring for the elderly, affordable housing, effective health care, caring for the disadvantaged, concern for future generations, poverty reduction, employment opportunities, human rights and governmental effectiveness."

It wasn't all negative however; human rights, freedom of speech, law enforcement and quality of life were identified as significant strengths of our current national culture.

"The results of this assessment will be widely distributed so Canadian individuals, organizations and governments can use this information to help realize our desired future for Canada," said Taylor. It seems that values-based leadership is the mark of a new way of moving all of us toward a kinder, more effective and more responsible social system, one that truly serves Canadians no matter who they are or where they live, work or gather.

The Institute is also planning to facilitate public dialogue, provide subsequent national values assessments and support ongoing applied research on values and their relationship to communities and organizations. For more information about the survey and the Todd Thomas Institute for Values-Based Leadership, please visit (www.royalroads.ca/tti)

Affordable Housing as National Policy

2009-12-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

I wanted to express my gratitude to Mayor Alice Finall who fulfilled my request and, on behalf of North Saanich Council, sent this week to the Federal Government a letter urging Parliament to support a private member's bill, Bill C-304, calling for a national affordable housing strategy.

Victoria City Councilor Charlayne Thornton-Joe, who Chairs the CRD's Regional Housing Corporation Board (of which I am a member) is leading the charge and canvassing member municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, public and private sector organizations and others to write Federal leaders and MPs with letters of support for this Bill, which will be voted on sometime after December 8, 2009. I understand that it has already passed first and second readings and only needs a third and final reading to be adopted.

For more information about Bill C-304, please visit publications@pwgsc.gc.ca or http://publications.gc.ca

If you are interested in supporting Bill C-304, please send a letter to that effect to MP Dean Allison, Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA), as follows:

Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Person with Disabilities (HUMA)

House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6

Where Do We Grow From Here?

2009-11-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

In the next few months, a review of the Capital Regional District's (CRD) Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) will be well underway and was, in part, the genesis behind the November 14th CRD-sponsored Forum of Councils' "Sustainable Futures" workshop, focused on sustainability, a much-used term but not always well defined. Planners, municipal staff, politicians and CRD staff joined the speakers for a morning that examined sustainability and planning in a largely urban context.

To help us understand what sustainability is and what it means to population growth, climate change, community planning and our future, keynote speakers at the workshop were Mike Harcourt (former municipal Councilor, Vancouver Mayor and BC Premier and now leader and spokesperson on sustainable urban growth and planning) and Dave Biggs, founder of Metro Quest (researcher and leading consultant on public involvement in urban planning and sustainability whose company has developed interactive tools for public engagement).

Highlights from Mike Harcourt:

Calling this the "urban century," Mike Harcourt asked, "How do we try to define the concept of "sustainability?" He suggests that there are 4 key elements:

- economic prosperity

- environmental health

- social inclusion/justice

- vibrant culture (sense of "place," creativity and innovation)

He argues that at the rate the world is going, we have no choice but to plan sustainable communities -- if we make the wrong choices, there will be consequences.

He tells us that human growth patterns suggest that by 2050, there will be 10 billion people inhabiting our earth (the equivalent of adding two more Chinas) and 75% of these will be living in cities. To put this into some perspective, Harcourt stated that in 1930 the world population was 2 billion and in 2000, it was 6 billion. He cites Canada as one of the most urbanized countries in the world, with about 80% of our population living in cities.

Harcourt also warns that approximately 1 billion people in developing countries could be living in shanty towns by 2050. Regarding population impacts on climate, Harcourt says that in China alone, the country is currently building 500 coal-burning plants a year and in developed countries, we are consuming resources at the equivalent of 4 worlds.

His message to all of us is "get with it" -- we can no longer afford the kind of suburban sprawl that dominates many of our community landscapes -- we must concentrate growth within urban areas that are already high-density and can be sustained.

He also talks about "live-ability accords" and "sustainability agreements" made between communities that set out principles, standards and values that focus planning on sustainable land use and community development that uses energy integration to reduce air pollution, waste and emissions. He refers to models of mixed use and high density communities that use geo-thermal, solar and waste recovery to heat space and water, not electricity.

He concludes by lauding Victoria's Dockside Green as a leader on the continent for sustainable building and references four excellent books/resources that might convince us that sustainability and climate change are inextricably linked and must be planning imperatives for the future:

- Three books by Richard Florida titled "Rise of the Creative Class," "Flight of the Creative Class" and "Who Is Your City?"

- "The Climate Cover-Up," a book that explores and exposes those who deny that climate change is occurring with major negative impacts on human health and the world's future.

Highlights from Dave Biggs:

Dave Biggs, founder of MetroQuest, opened with some significant facts about our Capital Region:

- By 2038, an additional 110,000 people will live here.

- Of these, 75,000 will be seniors or about 29%, up from the current 17% ratio.

- Currently, 49% of Greater Victoria's population lives in single family dwellings.

- 72% of us drive alone in vehicles.

- Only 12% of us use public transit (if access to public transit is located more than 500 meters away, it is less likely to be used).

We then participated in MetroQuest's interactive process using electronics to collect and tally our responses to questions about what we value for future regional planning and sustainability. As a result, the audience identified 5 top priorities ranked as follows:

- Clean Air

- Lower Carbon Emissions

- Walkable Neighbourhoods

- Vibrant Downtown

- Smaller Eco-Footprint

Audience results further suggest that examples of our lower planning priorities for the future are big homes and big yards, easy car travel and lower fees/taxes. It appears from the results that we also want to concentrate new growth in existing areas such as the Western Communities, Saanich, Victoria and Town of Sidney -- in other words, keeping population growth and housing compact and building within current densities, which are consistent with the existing RGS and its urban containment boundary.

Biggs concluded with some housing projections for the CRD that suggest that by 2046, regional populations will be living in small houses on small lots, in ground level housing (e.g., town homes with access to outside space that is either a small garden or patio) and in condos and apts. in buildings of 5 storeys or less. He also argues that because municipalities have to fund their infrastructure, large developments can be net negative over time, especially after 20 years i.e., servicing costs for these large developments become a significant financial drain for municipalities.

It would seem that Smaller is Better.

SUMMARY:

This workshop was one of the best I have attended in recent years and kudos to the CRD for putting this one on. While the focus was largely on urban development and planning, the information and attitude trends suggest to me that many of us in the Capital Region value the principles expressed in the Regional Growth Strategy -- many municipalities care about and are committed to a sustainable future. Mike Harcourt says we have no choice and Dave Biggs says he can help us to engage our communities in this important conversation.

I realize that those of us who attended this workshop may also be the converted -- I sometimes find that the people who should be in the room are often not so I look forward to making efforts to reach the dissenters, those who have not yet accepted the inevitability of climate change and the need to build sustainable communities.

I also recognize that not everyone in the Capital Region agrees with RGS principles, amending formula or other administrative practices. Some municipalities seem to feel that it impinges on their independence and authority. Mike Harcourt suggests that we should set aside our regional differences for the sake of future sustainability. Others at this workshop are calling for an even stronger RGS document, one that has "some teeth" and will protect against sprawl and safeguard rural, agricultural and green spaces throughout the area, especially on the Saanich Peninsula.

Still others suggest different remedies, such as amalgamation as an answer to containing sprawl. But there appears to be divided opinion on amalgamation, with one urban Mayor warning against it, suggesting that it is not a more efficient and cheaper means of delivering local government services, as some proponents would argue. He said in part "...homogenization simply doesn't work for me." In my view he makes a good point.

I attended this workshop with my colleague Councilor Ruby Commandeur who is a local organic farmer in Deep Cove. Both of us specifically asked the speakers about how a rural-residential area such as North Saanich, with large tracts of green space and agricultural land, can contribute to the sustainability process that seems more about urban space. Metchosin Councilor Jo Mitchell and Central Saanich Councilor Alistair Bryson joined our chorus about the need to protect small rural communities that are "agricultural havens" for the future related to local food production and security.

While our question went largely unanswered, Tracy Corbett, CRD Senior Manager of Regional Planning, said that she appreciated our questions and comments and offered to explore putting on a session that focuses on small community issues such as rural protection. Like many other local and regional politicians, I believe that if the region values the Saanich Peninsula's rural/agricultural assets, then the CRD and its member municipalities must act to protect this area. In fact, one rural Mayor called for a more proactive and less reactive approach to regional planning. I agree.

The RGS review will be a major CRD undertaking over the next few months and I believe that the results will have far-reaching implications for all of us, especially for communities such as North Saanich. But all of us living in this region have a stake in the review and the outcome so please take the time to get informed.

I have always supported the RGS as a key planning document that demonstrates leadership and innovation in regional planning. Below this post is an article that I wrote last year (Oct. 2008) about the RGS and its importance in protecting small rural communities from urban sprawl and environmental degradation. For those of you who have not read it, I encourage you to do so and for those of you who have, please take the time to read it again.

Please also visit the CRD website to find out more about the RGS review, regional sustainability and information about CRD Board and Committee meetings, at www.crd.bc.ca

Regional Growth Strategy -- Re-Post

2009-11-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

The Capital Regional District Board adopted the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) on August 13, 2003. The strategy represents an agreement, developed and approved, by all member municipalities and the regional district in partnership, on social, economic and environmental goals and priority actions.

This is a landmark agreement, a landmark agreement as cited in a report prepared in March 2003 by the Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, titled, The Capital Regional District Growth Strategy: Herding Cats onto the Road of Sustainability. In part, the report states:

- In many urban and rural areas, local citizens motivated by concerns about community disruption and environmental degradation have resisted development projects of various kinds. In some cases, these actions have reflected a broader concern that on a finite planet, or at least in a finite community or region, future growth in human demands will be increasingly destructive.

- The result has been a second wave of growth management that is expected to cover not just all factors that affect growth patterns, but also all consideration that affect long-term community and ecological sustainability.

- Sustainability is fundamentally a matter of applied ethics. It has a human focus but involves consideration of future as well as present interests and recognizes ultimate human dependence on the biosphere. Arguably, commitment to sustainability entails adoption of what Aldo Leopold called the “land ethic” – extending the definition of community from the social interaction of individuals to the linking of all components of the natural world, and requiring people to view themselves as stewards of the land.

- Development of this kind allows for the building of a shared local culture that encompasses history, values and traditions of a particular place or region.

A regional growth strategy is a regional vision that commits affected municipalities and regional districts to a course of action to meet common social, economic and environmental objectives. It also forms a part of a municipality’s Official Community Plan through a Regional Context Statement, which links the RGS to the municipal plan. The RGS is designed to outline the regional vision for the next 20 years.

The core objective of the Growth Strategies Act is “to promote human settlement that is socially, economically and environmentally healthy and makes efficient use of ... land and other resources.” The foremost priority goals for the RGS are:

- Avoiding urban sprawl and ensuring that development takes place where adequate facilities exist…

- Protecting environmentally sensitive areas.

- Maintaining the integrity of a secure, productive resource base, including agricultural, and forestland reserves.

- Protecting the quality and quantity of ground and surface water.

Conclusion:

Without consistent support and long term commitment from the Capital Regional District through its Regional Growth Strategy, municipal boundaries that keep urban containment compact will be vulnerable, resulting in unmanaged growth that will continue to threaten green and rural spaces, agriculture and farmland and forests and water resources. Local governments in the Capital Regional District must now decide how strong, consistent and effective they will be in the application of sound land use policy that considers critical factors such as:

- Regional energy planning and conservation

- Food production and security

- Efficient, economical and environmentally sound transportation planning

- Conservation and use of water resources

- Waste disposal

The Regional Growth Strategy enables local governments to manage growth with confidence and vision, to plan for the future and for an environmental legacy of which generations after us can be proud.

The report by the University of Waterloo concludes with the following statement that, for me, says it all in a nutshell:

If the necessary goodwill and commitment are to be found anywhere in British Columbia, they are to be found among the municipal leaders and residents of the Capital Regional District, given the long standing concern for quality of life issues in this region. What happens in the CRD will therefore be an important test of the Regional Growth Strategy mechanism. If effective growth management using the Regional Growth Strategy cannot be accomplished in the Capital Regional District, it is unlikely that the mechanism will work well anywhere in the Province.

Municipal Spending a Concern

2009-11-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

I read with interest on November 6, 2009 the Times-Colonist article by reporter Bill Cleverley that suggests that municipalities spend too much, based on a recent study released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Based on data collected between 2000 and 2007, North Saanich's "fiscal sustainability gap" was quoted at 2.98.

Results for other CRD municipalities varied between a low of 1.71 to a high of 8.62. Questions were raised in the article by some local Mayors about the validity and context of the data, given consistent provincial downloading to municipal governments during the past 8 or 9 years. It was argued that downloading programs and services negatively impacts local government's ability to meet and sustain demands, such as increased police services. Another factor is salaries paid to municipal staff that apparently average 35% higher than the private sector.

Financial issues and municipal spending are ongoing concerns of mine, especially for a municipality the size of North Saanich. Large infrastructure projects such as the new sewer system for Deep Cove/Pat Bay and McDonald Park Road was about a $15M bill that frankly should not have been imposed on taxpayers at a time when construction costs were at their highest and the real estate boom was at its peak. This capital cost, however, was just half of the equation; the cost of maintaining this infrastructure is the other half, borne by all North Saanich taxpayers.

The unexpected increase to the Panorama pool expansion was another major impact on North Saanich taxpayers that will be reflected in next year's tax bill. At $12M, up from approximately $5.7M as cited in the 2005 North Saanich pool expansion referendum, it seems to me project management and planning for the pool had challenges related to spending control. Many North Saanich taxpayers I talked to have been concerned about this and again, capital cost is one thing but ongoing maintenance and operation are others. I also understand that staffing at Panorama has increased by about 50% as a result of opening the new pool and it is argued that a larger more complex facility needs more staff to run it. Having said that, many see the pool expansion as a community asset that will benefit social and recreational needs over time.

But at a time when the economy is still fragile and private and public sectors continue to make significant cuts, it's my view that adding staff in any organization can be a difficult decision to sell to taxpayers who have to foot the bills.

In my opinion, these are just two examples that demonstrate local government's fundamental responsibility to carefully manage or scale back big projects that may not be fully sustainable or affordable over time. Sustainable spending is one of the reasons why I supported the current North Saanich Council when it moved to cap at 5% this year's municipal tax increase. Further, I believe that this Council is taking a prudent approach to any new spending, asking staff to ensure, on behalf of North Saanich taxpayers, that whatever we do spend we can afford to sustain.

It was argued during the last municipal election that a cautious approach might mean that North Saanich would be "shut down," with comments such as "No Saanich" making the rounds. But in reality, I believe that North Saanich residents and taxpayers opted for a new Mayor and Council majority they believe will check spending, bring greater fiscal accountability to financial management and make sure that taxpayers are respected. The saying that best fits this Mayor and Council majority's approach may be simply "Ask North Saanich Taxpayers Before We Spend."

Second Meeting on Marine Task Force Report Recommendations Calls for a Third Meeting

2009-10-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

Citing the need to receive additional information on factors such as environmental impacts, re-zoning and jurisdictional issues related to building private docks on the waterfront, Council voted 6 to 1 against Councilor Sheilah Fea's motion to move ahead with private docks in North Saanich. I also agreed with the Council majority to defer to a third meeting the rest of the Marine Task Force (MTF) report's recommendations, including recommendation #7 related to private docks. A sometimes noisy waterfront group attended the October 29th Committee of the Whole special meeting, the second held by Council to address the MTF's 2008 report.

I knew going into these meetings that some recommendations would be controversial, particularly the recommendation dealing with private docks. As you know, North Saanich, since 1984, has restricted private docks, resulting in current Official Community Plan zoning limits known as M5 and M6. As a result, the North Saanich coastline is relatively unobstructed, making public access to our beaches and waterfront one of the attractions of living here -- I support public access to our beaches and will always try to find a balance between the need for public beach access and the desires of waterfront property owners.

As you know, some waterfront property owners disagree with North Saanich's current zoning restrictions for private docks, believing the municipality should allow private docks whenever a waterfront property owner makes an application. One waterfront owner at this week's meeting stated that he feels that it is his "right to have a private dock and unfettered access to deep water." But another waterfront property owner cautioned the municipality against allowing private docks that impede adjacent neighbours' sight lines and interfere with their views, acknowledging my belief that a significant factor that determines waterfront property values is the quality of the view.

Council also agreed to move ahead with the MTF's recommendation for a public boat launch on the West side of the Peninsula, below the airport. Mayor and Council plan to re-open talks with the Victoria Airport Authority, the Federal government and other community stakeholders to explore having a small public boat launch on the West side that provides vehicle parking and access for small boats, kayaks, canoes, etc. I understand from one resident who attended the meeting that Tulista Park will be one of the last small public boat launches left on the Peninsula, given that Van Isle Marina is rumoured to be closing its boat launch to allow expansion of a restaurant.

Regarding the MTF's recommendation on the Federal government's initiative to designate the Saanich Inlet a marine conservation area, Council agreed to invite Parks Canada to make a presentation to Council on the status of the initiative and on what impacts, if any, such a designation would have on waterfront property owners. Some owners express concern about a marine park/conservation area designation, suggesting that it might interfere with their property rights. We learned, however, thanks to Frances Pugh of the Saanich Inlet Protection Society, that a conservation area designation means only three things: no dumping, no dredging and no oil drilling. I can't imagine that the majority of North Saanich residents wouldn't wholeheartedly embrace such protection for the Saanich Inlet.

A new date for the next special Council meeting to address the MTF's report will be announced on the District website, in the District newsletter and I will ensure that the date is also announced on this blog. Stay tuned and watch for the date and time of the next meeting. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail and I will try to answer your questions. Thank you.

Heavy Traffic at McTavish Road Interchange Open House

2009-10-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

It was standing room only last week when I dropped down to the McTavish Road Interchange Open House, hosted for local residents by the Provincial government, as part of its public consultation process. Local residents, North Saanich, Sidney and Central Saanich Council members, Victoria Airport Authority staff, project staff from the Province and other transportation staff mingled and chatted with the public as people poured into the Presbyterian Church at East Saanich Road and circulated around the room, browsing the various design displays. Of particular interest was an animated demonstration showing how the traffic will move through the new interchange and its three roundabouts.

Comments on the project that I heard ranged from "too big and too complex for this area" to "too expensive when we are cutting everything else in this Province" to "we need the improvements for safety's sake" and "it's about time we did something at this intersection." I also heard some anxiety about drivers having to negotiate the roundabouts, which I agree can be daunting.

I remember well my first driving experience in Britain. I rented a Mini and drove 2,700 miles through England and Scotland but not before having to learn in the first 5 minutes, how to drive on the opposite side of the road, shift the manual transmission in the opposite direction with my left hand (I'm right-handed) and read a map. Things were going pretty well by the time I was 20 miles out until... I encountered my first roundabout!! You could hear my screams all the way around it while I was desperately trying to find my way out. But by the end of the trip, roundabouts and I had become friends and I have to admit, they are extremely efficient at keeping traffic moving; I am now a roundabout fan.

In general, my impression of public reaction during my visit to the Open House was that most people, while not wildly enthusiastic, were more accepting of recent modifications made to the design. Despite public concerns about cost and scope (which I appreciate), residents I talked to that day seemed to recognize that efforts had been made by provincial transportation planners to incorporate some of the public's feedback on design and to make subsequent changes.

Beyond original concerns about the finished product and its suitability to this area, people I spoke to have concerns about impacts during the construction phase, including road closures, re-routed traffic along East Saanich Road, emergency vehicle access to Lochside Drive and noise. I share these concerns as does the Mayor of North Saanich and other Council members. I observed that Heather Gartshore, North Saanich resident and one of our two community appointments to the McTavish Road Interchange Task Force (the other is Bob Williamson, Dean Park Resident and former North Saanich Councillor) was keeping close tabs on public input at the Open House. I know that Heather and Bob will follow up these concerns with the District as part of the Task Force process (established by Mayor and Council to give the community a voice in the project).

I want to stress, once again, that the District of North Saanich is not a contributing partner to this Interchange. YES, we supported in principle last year the Victoria Airport Authority's original request to make safety and access improvements at McTavish and the Pat Bay Highway but NO, we have no authority or responsibility for the project and no money invested.

Having said that, I can assure you that the District of North Saanich is concerned about how construction impacts will be managed until the project is completed. I understand that Mayor and Council will remain involved on your behalf through our McTavish Interchange Task Force. For questions, comments or more information, please contact your Interchange Task Force community representatives, Heather Gartshore at 250-656-0974 or Bob Williamson at 250-655-1270. And at anytime, please feel free to contact me directly (as well as other Council members) with your concerns. Thank you!

The McTavish Road Interchange Project

2009-10-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

I have been asked by our North Saanich community appointees to the McTavish Road Interchange Committee (Heather Gartshore and Bob Williamson) to post this following letter regarding the project. You can also get further information from the Ministry of Transportation's website at http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/Hwy_17_McTavish_Interchange/index.htm

We wanted to let you know that we have been appointed by the District of North Saanich Council, as the two community representatives to to sit on the McTavish Road Interchange Task Force. Other members include representatives from North Saanich Staff and Council, Sidney Council, the Victoria Airport Authority, the RCMP, the Tseycum and Pauquachin First Nations and the Ministry of Transportation.

The purpose of the Task Force is to maintain consultation and dialogue with groups and individuals to identify and address community concerns during the detailed design and construction of the McTavish Road Interchange. We will represent community interests primarily in the geographic area bounded approximately by Amity Drive to the south, Dean Park to the west, Beacon Avenue to the north and Lochside Drive to the east, however we will accept comment from the community in general.

The BC Ministry of Transportation is proceeding with this project to improve safety, enhance transit and improve access to the Victoria International Airport. While we understand that you may have concerns about the design, timing and cost of this project, the Task Force is not in a position to consider those.

This is a Provincial project on Provincial land and as such, the Province can proceed. To qualify for supporting funds from the Federal Government, the project must be completed by March 2011.

After considering alternatives, the conceptual design comprising two roundabouts and a road bridge over the main highway has been complete and has now been accepted as the final design. The design contract has been awarded to a consulting engineering firm who will proceed with the detailed design. No fundamental changes can be made to the concept.

Citizens can provide input on bicycle paths, pedestrian paths, signage, landscaping, noise abatement and pollution control, but not on the design concept itself. On site construction activity is expected to commence as soon as October 2009.

As your community representatives, we would be pleased to communicate your concerns, suggestions and comments on topics where we can still exert some influence as the McTavish Road Interchange moves to the next phase.

The Task Force will be meeting at regularly scheduled intervals. You will find the project website at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/Hwy_17_McTavish_Interchange/index.htm

Please feel free to pass this information along to friends and neighbors who will also be impacted by the McTavish Road Interchange.

Heather Gartshore heathergartshore@shaw.ca 250-656-0974
Bob Williamson prismoid@islandnet.com 250-655-1270

Marine Task Force Report Well Anchored

2009-10-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

After first receiving the Marine Task Force (MTF) report last year (commissioned by the District of North Saanich in 2007), the former Mayor and Council accepted the report and its sixteen recommendations but voted to defer any action on the recommendations until after the municipal election in November 2008. Nearly a year later, the current Council has breathed new life into the report and planned two meetings (October 13 and 29, 2009 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers) to address MTF recommendations and action items and to involve the public in these debates. The following highlights the results of our first meeting on October 13th.

An audience of about 45 to 50 people attended the October 13th Committee of the Whole Meeting, representing the general public, waterfront property owners, former Marine Task Force members and representatives of environmental groups and interested organizations. Using a September 2008 staff report to guide Council deliberations, we debated roughly half of the sixteen recommendations and carried the rest over to the next meeting on October 29th. My view is that despite some potentially contentious issues, the meeting proceeded well and the audience was respectful and fully engaged.

The meeting was opened by the former Task Force Chair, Graham Williams who provided us with a brief overview and background on some of the report's key recommendations. Council then discussed briefly how we should proceed, finally deciding to deal with each of the recommendations separately and in order. At first, I was concerned about the process of tackling these recommendations and wanted to avoid getting bogged down in minute detail and putting our audience to sleep. Other Council members agreed so we kept focused on the general recommendations, opting to attack the detail at our next meeting.

Debate was thorough and members of the audience were keen to participate in discussion on following:

Better recognize marine heritage, economic contributions and boating interests (staff directed to prepare a report for Council on anticipated changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP), suggested policy changes, development of community values related to recreation and environmental impacts and inclusion in the OCP of shoreline maps provided in the recently completely Saanich Inlet and Peninsula Atlas of Shorelines 2009 Public Report;

Meet with local marina industry representatives to explore options for improved capacity related to recreational boating and development (includes options for dry land boat storage);

Agree to keep OCP boatshed regulations the same but also agree to discuss other boatshed options with marina industry that might reduce moorage costs but increase capacity;

Guidelines for private docks (M5 vs. M6 zones).

The most contentious of these four items is the issue of guidelines for private docks. Waterfront property owners who attended the meeting are fiercely protective of their property rights -- some PRPA members (a North Saanich waterfront property owners' group) even suggested that the District should change its policy on M6 zoning so that private docks are allowed in North Saanich. Such a change would represent a major departure from the North Saanich Official Community Plan.

In the end, Council acknowledged that this Mayor and Council must first decide whether to open up this debate at all, a discussion that may be brought to a later meeting. I am reminded by other North Saanich taxpayers that while waterfront property owners have strong feelings about their riparian rights, the North Saanich waterfront is also a significant environmental asset to all North Saanich residents who live and pay taxes here. Many residents have asked that we protect and preserve the waterfront wherever possible.

In conclusion, I believe that when citizens make time to attend our meetings, we need to ensure that information and processes are "user friendly," meaning that discussions are well understood and information is readily provided. Granted, some of our discussion seemed a bit dry and drawn out and I noticed members of the audience drifting out of the Chamber before the end of the meeting. Others noted that we tended to use acronyms they did not recognize and referenced documents not provided to the audience for their information. These concerns of "using too much jargon" and "not providing some reference materials to the public" were duly noted. I have in fact today requested copies of our OCP and the original MTF report be provided at our October 29th meeting for people to see and share.

The debate will continue on October 29, 2009 when Council re-convenes in the Council Chamber at 7:00 pm to continue its review of the MTF report and the rest of the recommendations. Please try to attend this important meeting and join the discussion on how best to establish a balance between marine economic development and environmental protection of our marine habitat.

No Price Tag on Democracy

2009-09-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks, a story out of Central Saanich suggests that something is not sitting well with some Central Saanich voters as a result of the last municipal election in November 2008. Both the Vancouver Sun and Times-Colonist have covered the issues from the perspective of those voters who believe that there may have been some impropriety related to municipal campaign financing. The allegations have certainly caught the attention of other municipalities. (To read the Times-Colonist article, click here: http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/editorials/Bringing+fairness+local+elections/2019398/story.html

As a sitting Council member here in North Saanich, I have been following this story with interest because the topic of unregulated campaign financing and funding is one near and dear to my heart. I have believed since the election of 2002, that municipal elections should be carefully regulated to ensure the independence of candidates and the integrity of the municipal election process. It goes without saying that the issue is a difficult one.

Ordinary citizens interested in making a meaningful contribution to their local community through public service as an elected official, face the reality that running for public office costs money; without donations, the possibility of incurring all the costs personally can make a difference for some between running and not running. Access to funding should not be a barrier to standing as a municipal candidate -- for me, such a barrier does not serve the best interests of the public, our local communities or the election process, and excludes potentially good people from holding public office.

In North Saanich, it is my understanding that political slates and heavily funded municipal election campaigns were unheard of until 2005 when the incumbent Mayor put together a well funded slate and campaign team, hired a campaign manager and opened a campaign office to run his Mayoralty campaign. It is my opinion that the incumbent Mayor and his supporters put together a campaign that seriously upped the stakes and made it possible for the incumbent Mayor and his team to access campaign election tools that significantly increased their reach and profile in the community.

In North Saanich's case, it is entirely possible that a well-funded slate of candidates’ access to unlimited campaign funding may have made it more difficult for single, non-aligned grass roots candidates to compete against what appeared to be a well-oiled machine. The then Mayor ran a similar campaign in 2008 but lost to a grass roots candidate.

While I do think that the issue of slate candidates changed local election campaigning in North Saanich, certainly between 2002 and now, I also believe that North Saanich voters have changed. They are more wary and wise and have learned lessons about candidates that appear heavily funded and powered by machine-style election campaigns that are out of character for a small community like North Saanich. In the end, I want to believe that independent grass roots candidates can still run and get elected, not because they are well funded, but because they are well respected.

I believe that municipal elections should be regulated by Elections BC and that campaign financing and funding should be capped at 20% of whatever the individual stipend is for each Council position. The capping based on percentage is an idea put forward by North Saanich Council member Peter Chandler. It works like this: If a Councilor position in Oak Bay pays a stipend of $10,000, then a Councilor candidate running there cannot accept or spend more than $2,000 for his/her campaign. If the Mayor's position pays a stipend of $30,000, then the mayoralty candidate cannot accept or spend more than $6,000 for his/her campaign and so on.

If an elector organization, campaign organizer or individual endorses a slate of candidates, then donations are limited in the same way. It is a simple formula that levels the playing field and protects the integrity of the municipal election process that, otherwise, could be vulnerable to abuse.

Capping and regulating campaign financing/funding also prevents a "quid pro quo" situation, where special interest groups, organizers or individuals expect to have special influence on Council members making decisions. The mentality that says "I donated heavily to your campaign for a reason, now I expect a return on my investment," is one that we simply cannot afford to encourage, tolerate or ignore. Such a negative climate, whether real or perceived, compromises democracy and further reinforces the public's belief that the political process is somehow dishonest or corrupt. Sadly, that perception hurts all of us and damages our electoral and democratic processes.

At the upcoming UBCM Conference at the end of this month, a resolution (B104), made by Vancouver City Council, calls for a petition of the BC Government to amend the Local Government Act and the Vancouver Charter "to set limits on the annual amount of contributions that can be given by an individual or organization to an elector organization, campaign organizer or an individual seeking elected office." The resolution also calls for limiting the amount of money that can be spent annually during a general local election campaign and disallowing contributions from sources outside Canada.

I will support this resolution but I also intend to work to see it go further and that means setting a 20% cap across the board on campaign financing/funding.

Secondary Suites Well Received at Special Council Meeting

2009-09-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

While we had expected a big potentially vocal crowd at the September 14 Special Council Meeting on Secondary Suites, the majority of 20 or so residents who did attend enthusiastically embraced the idea of secondary suites in North Saanich. So has the City of Victoria and Mayor Dean Fortin. Mayor Fortin and his senior planner also attended our meeting to make a presentation to Mayor and Council on their experiences with the city's secondary suite program.

While the differences between our two communities are obvious (urban vs. rural), Mayor Fortin confirmed that secondary suites have stabilized neighbourhoods, preserved their integrity and character, improved rental housing stock in a market where there is a nearly zero per cent vacancy rate, re-populated neighbourhoods with young people and families and provided new and older homeowners with opportunities to supplement a mortgage or age in place.

As it should be, I believe that North Saanich is taking a slow and cautious approach to secondary suites, remaining conscious of our commitment to our OCP and our Regional Growth Strategy (see open letter to Council written by resident Wendy Bjornsfeldt and posted on northsaanichonline.com). But the Sept. 15th meeting indicated that there is solid support for the idea.

Of the residents who attended the meeting, all but one or two expressed their unqualified support, both for secondary suites and for an opportunity to be part of a pilot program in the Southeast Quadrant (SEQ), (excluding Dean Park where properties are protected by covenants that prohibit rental suites but where it is interesting to note that about 49% of all existing "illegal" suites in North Saanich are located in the SEQ, which includes Dean Park).

Over the past year, I have had dozens of residents approach me and tell me that they support secondary suites. Among other advantages, they see secondary suites as a real alternative to high density development in North Saanich; they consider suites as generally unobtrusive, blending well with existing housing and neighbourhood character.

Critical to the success of any secondary suite program in my view will be the results of the one-year pilot evaluation based on specific criteria, including regular and ongoing communication with residents inside and outside of the pilot area. It is my understanding (and I will continue to press for this) that concerns related to increased traffic, congestion, parking, density, owner-occupation, impact on local services and property values will be closely tracked and monitored by the District of North Saanich during the evaluation phase.

I heard Mayor Finall state clearly at the meeting that she, Council and staff will be looking to residents, during the pilot phase, to let us know of any and all issues related to secondary suites.

Investigating the desirability of secondary suites in North Saanich also fulfills, I think, a commitment reflected in our Official Community Plan and housing strategy. There are still a variety of issues and details that must be addressed in consultation with our community and neighbourhoods before we proceed but I believe that we are heading in the right direction.

As Mayor Fortin aptly put it, before we leap, we first sleep, then creep. In other words, North Saanich will tread carefully during the next few months to ensure that we have sufficient community support and have ironed out all the details. One comment by Mayor Fortin last night stayed with me -- before he ran for Victoria City Council, he was warned by people that legitimizing secondary suites could spell political disaster. But what happened in the end when the secondary suite program was launched in Victoria was surprising to him and to other Council members -- Victoria residents asked, "What took you so long?"

Please contact me or other Council members with comments or questions on this article or topic.

My Take on Suggested Amalgamation of Firefighting and Emergency Services on the Saanich Peninsula

2009-08-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

First term Central Saanich Councillor and realtor Ron Kubek recently called for amalgamation of fire protection and emergency services on the Saanich Peninsula. He suggests discussions begin soon between Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney and the Victoria Airport Authority to explore the cost benefits of an amalgamated model. He argues that such a model can save money. On the face of it, his suggestion sounds logical. Who doesn't want to save money these days?

But what concerns me most about Mr. Kubek's comments is his description of Peninsula residents and taxpayers as "customers." Yes, residents certainly are taxpayers, but they can hardly be described as "customers" when it comes to the provision of fire and emergency services. Our residents and taxpayers don't "shop" these services, looking for big sales and great deals. Service delivery is not about competition and price-cutting but about competence and protecting lives and property. Merely applying a business model to such vital community services is, in my opinion, ill-informed and unwise.

Believe me, when faced with a traumatic incident such as a house fire or emergency where lives are potentially at risk, a resident in distress is not going to stop to ask, "What does this cost?" I speak with some authority given that we suffered a major house fire in 1998 and if it had not been for the very quick and effective response of North Saanich volunteer firefighters, we would have lost the house. So when Mr. Kubek states, "Let's get real..." I say that there are some very "real" issues we must consider in any discussion about possible changes to fire protection and emergency services.

It's true that other jurisdictions have bought into the simplicity of Mr. Kubek's argument and jumped on the amalgamation bandwagon, only to later learn that results were more costly and did not provide better, more efficient service delivery. My understanding of the "real" story is that communities, especially smaller ones, can end up paying more for less and, because services and decision-making are centralized, a larger organization can be less flexible and responsive to local needs and concerns, particularly at the neighbourhood level.

Toronto, Halifax and Hamilton are just a few of the Canadian cities that have amalgamated and now realize that there is no panacea to bigger centralized local government or consolidation of services. In September 2008, Blake Hutcheson, Chair of Toronto's Independent Fiscal Review Panel, said during an interview that "...It's been 10 years since amalgamation. We now have 44 councillors...you have huge, fractious decision-making. Clearly, when we set out with amalgamation as a province and a city, there were all kinds of hopes that we could get greater efficiencies, reduce our real estate, reduce our municipal staff, etc. The fact is we've added 4,000 jobs, we have not sold off any of the major real estate assets that anchored the once great cities, and we haven't been able to progress and gain the efficiencies that were promised..."

In a recent newspaper interview, North Saanich Fire Chief Gary Wilton points out that an amalgamated or consolidated model for the Peninsula will not save money or substantially improve service delivery. There appears to be some truth to Chief Wilton's observations. Closer to home, I understand that amalgamation or consolidation specific to fire and police services in Esquimalt is posing real challenges to the town's budget and service delivery -- Esquimalt is learning that amalgamation has brought with it escalating costs and less control.

North Saanich has been fortunate to have a volunteer firefighting and emergency services' model that focuses on high level training and competence. This was confirmed by a 2007 Ipsos-Reid survey of North Saanich residents where they ranked their satisfaction with our local firefighting and emergency services higher than for any other category, making it clear that they feel well protected and well served. Our North Saanich firefighters are uniquely all volunteer but no less professional, effective and respected.

"Real" differences also exist between fire protection and emergency service providers on the Saanich Peninsula. For example, Sidney and Central Saanich have forces combined of both volunteers and paid unionized staff, which introduces a new and complicated dynamic that increases costs for labour relations and union contract administration, in addition to salary costs (contract wage settlements for firefighters in the CRD have historically been some of the highest among unionized employees). The Victoria Airport Authority is located on federal land and is therefore a separate entity with a different mandate.

Recent cost comparisons for firehall improvements and upgrades also reveal differences -- Central Saanich and the airport have budgeted multi-millions while North Saanich will spend only a little over $2M for a new firehall addition. North Saanich also enjoys the lowest residential property tax rate on the Saanich Peninsula and one of the lowest in the region. What do you think might happen to North Saanich taxes if we amalgamated fire and emergency services with the rest of the Peninsula?

Despite these differences, it's well known that there is a strong history of mutual cooperation and collaboration between Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney and Victoria Airport Authority firefighters in a number of key areas such as training and professional development, emergency planning and coordination and in response to major regional emergencies.

Before exploring the suggestion of consolidating firefighting and emergency services on the Saanich Peninsula, we need to listen to our North Saanich residents and consult widely with our firefighting professionals. After all, I will place no price tag on health and safety if I believe that these very "real" priorities could in any way be compromised by consolidation or amalgamation.

Stay tuned.

Eight Months On and the Clock is Ticking – My View

2009-08-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that it has been eight months since the last municipal election? Time has literally flown by and while it feels like a new Council, I realize that in November, we will have been elected a full year. I also realize that as time is passing quickly, there is still a lot left to do. I believe that to determine where you are going requires you to look back to see where you have been and so with this in mind, I recently took the opportunity to reflect on this Council's achievements since December 2008. I know that each of us will interpret for ourselves what this Council has and has not accomplished since being elected but, since I am directly involved as a sitting Councillor, I hope that my own insights are helpful in assessing this Council's progress to date.

I am reminded that Council work is truly "a work in progress." Improving local services while addressing local needs, most related to land use, are what municipalities spend the majority of their time doing. They do this primarily through a complicated set of regulatory bylaws and statutes that involve taxation and compliance, where success is most often defined by whatever side of the counter or issue you happen to be on. I have always believed that local government is a process that tries to avoid collisions between people, politics and issues. But when they do collide, Council is faced with trying to make good decisions about not so good situations. As you know, emotions can run high, anger can overshadow reason and tempests in teapots can blow the lid. Working through the angst and trying to find the best solution is one of the more challenging aspects of this work.

There are indeed challenges ahead for this Mayor and Council but I sense in the last eight months, North Saanich seems a lot less confrontational; people seem more willing to listen and to understand different points of view (at least on a few issues). I credit some of this change to a change in leadership at the Mayor's level, resulting in a renewed sense of purpose among the majority of Council members. I believe that for the first time in many years, North Saanich is also undergoing a significant transition that is taking it FROM small rural-residential community often seen as merely an extension of Sidney TO vibrant independent community that boasts some of the most valuable agricultural lands, natural rural spaces and environmental habitats left on southern Vancouver Island.

North Saanich is shifting to becoming a regional leader on agriculture and food security, environmental protection and conservation, preserving lifestyle quality and enhancing an enviable network of unique trails, beaches, parks and green spaces. North Saanich is also becoming recognized as a District where building capacity for the future includes an emphasis on local government that should be affordable. Those eager to develop and urbanize North Saanich's land base (more density = more services = higher taxes) are having to learn to work with a stated community desire for new ideas that are less about exploitation and more about making sound decisions for long term sustainability, environmental protection and conservation. One only has to look to other Vancouver Island communities such as Tofino to realize how necessary conservation is to land use planning -- rapid growth and density development on the Pacific Rim are threatening the community's available water supply.

As a footnote, I predict that without careful planning that focuses on conservation, other Vancouver Island communities face a similar fate -- water tomorrow will become as valuable as oil today.

There is another shift occurring in the context of more complex local and regional government. Since implementation of the Province's Community Charter legislation, local governments are expected to deliver more and more programs and services previously provided by the Province. I think our greatest challenge ahead is to maintain our ability to balance budgets with the pressure to meet community needs during a time of unprecedented provincial downloading and shrinking funds. That's why I believe that sustainability cannot be limited to the environment -- it must be applied as a universal planning tool to all aspects of local government and land use. Fortunately for North Saanich, it seems that the current Mayor and Council majority agree.

I am encouraged to see North Saanich taking its rightful place in the capital region as a community concerned about the future, its role on the Saanich Peninsula and how it can protect its natural environment, one that continues to draw people to this area. I am an enthusiastic supporter of Mayor Finall's priority that North Saanich should have a strong regional voice through the Capital Regional District (CRD) where she and other North Saanich Council members participate on various CRD committees -- North Saanich is demonstrating leadership on issues such as food security, homelessness, environmental protection, low income/subsidized housing, parks and agricultural planning.

With these realities as the backdrop, the North Saanich Council majority represents what I call a "working Mayor and Council." The work may not grab headlines in the local paper but I believe it has deeper meaning for our community and for those of us who share a long term commitment to strong local government. That's why I believe so much of the past eight months has been intentionally focused internally on incremental change i.e. gradually bringing about better accountability and consistency to municipal practices, policies and procedures.

The work of North Saanich Council also involves changing a culture, and re-defining the development paradigm beyond land use and bricks and mortar. The work is now more about addressing issues such as improved communication between staff and Council and between Council and the public. "Development" now involves community-building, improving and developing new community partnerships, recognizing shared responsibilities and sharing information with residents/taxpayers, with neighbouring municipalities, with North Saanich First Nations communities and with small and large business/industry partners. Whether it's working with the Victoria Airport Authority on developing transportation or with the Deep Cove Market on developing local retail, the goal is the same: to DEVELOP and maintain working relationships that are respectful, open and in the best interests of the community at large.

The following are some examples of changes and decisions since December 2008 that I believe have a direct impact on North Saanich residents:

Council procedures changed to ensure greater public access and input to Council meetings and governance (a campaign promise).

Improved Council to Council relationships with Sidney and Central Saanich (tri-municipal).

Regular committee reports prepared and submitted by individual Councillors at the Mayor's request and as part of Council agendas.

Former role of Committee of the Whole restored so that open debate occurs first before decisions are made a week later at the regular Council meeting (gives Council members, municipal staff and the public more time to reflect on the matter or to obtain, receive and consider new information).

Comprehensive policy review/revision completed this fall (all District policies and procedures reviewed for relevancy, efficiency and effectiveness).

2009 tax increase reflected attempts to hold the line on new spending, with budgets capped at roughly 5%, a full 3% less than previous tax increases.

Service agreement with BC Ferries reached that will enable the Corporation to hook up to North Saanich sewer system ($600,000 up front to North Saanich and annual payments to follow).

Phased zoning bylaw revision completed this fall to address anomalies/inconsistencies.

Consultant hired to conduct Agricultural Area Plan process for fall completion.

Revised District newsletter mailed out to individual households on a more frequent basis.

Website improvements made to streamline information and provide more efficient online services to residents and taxpayers.

Citizens' Liaison Committee established to address public concerns about proposed McTavish Rd. Interchange.

New relationship established with Pauquachin First Nation as part of Relationship Agreement development.

Expanded role and membership initiated by the Mayor through a variety of CRD committees and initiatives.

Wain Road Firehall expansion approved to meet growing emergency service delivery and training needs.

Secondary suite initiative moved ahead, with recent approval for a pilot program.

Local park acquisition identified as a priority for new Parks Plan.

Daily office hours established for the Mayor that enables her to be more accessible and available to staff and residents.

New customer satisfaction survey introduced to support planned improvements.

North Saanich formally requested other affected municipalities to support efforts to lobby senior levels of government and others to clean up Tod Inlet.

New signage approved for North Saanich beach accesses.

Regular neighbourhood meetings restored.

Permanent North Saanich Farm Market approved.

In-depth report on Panorama Recreation Centre and pool expansion approved.

Audit of sewer project (Deep Cove/Pat Bay/McDonald Park Road) approved.

Review of history of legal costs to the municipality with a view to reducing them.

As an individual Councillor reflecting on the past eight months, I believe that this Mayor and Council majority, through these achievements, have made a sincere attempt to restore trust and confidence in North Saanich's municipal administration. But the clock is ticking and there is still a lot to do, as follows:

Budget management in a time of recession and limited government funding.

Traffic management and transportation (e.g., speeding, parking, McTavish Road Interchange project, improved bus service to areas such as Dean Park).

Role of the OCP related to development pressure.

Increased parkland acquisition, including improvements to beach accesses.

Future of Dunsmuir Lodge.

Implementation of Marine Task Force and Agricultural Area Plan recommendations.

Succession planning to address significant municipal staff retirements occurring during the next 12 months.

Restoration of Scoter Trail.

These represent only a few of the many issues that are of public concern and I know that there are expectations of this Council by residents/taxpayers to resolve them. I can assure you that during this term, as an individual Councillor, I will continue to make an effort to keep these issues at the top of Council's agenda.

I will also continue to make decisions on your behalf that are ethical, fair and transparent. In fact, in my experience, Mayor Finall encourages these same values and expects no less from other Council members and municipal staff. There's an old saying: "If you expect the best, you very often get it."

I welcome your comments and questions on this article or on anything else that you read on this blog. Remember, communication is a two-way process. Please contact me anytime by phone or by e-mail.

Have a safe and happy rest of the summer!

Affordable Housing - Re-post

2009-06-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Given the recent presentation by Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce to N.S. Council (June 22), I felt it timely to re-post my article on Affordable Housing that I did last fall during the municipal election campaign:

The issue of “affordable” housing is a popular topic. Individuals of all ages are talking about whether North Saanich will provide housing that young families, young singles, single parent families, people with disabilities and seniors on fixed incomes can afford. Providing real social housing in a North Saanich real estate market is a huge challenge that requires more than just developers, politicians and real estate agents telling us that it should and can be done.

The hot real estate market was accelerated by three major factors -- the Federal government, through CMHC, relaxed mortgage regulations by introducing 0% down, the Bank of Canada and central banks kept interest rates low and major lenders increased maximum amortization periods from 25 years up to 40 years -- buyers could borrow more, pay less and for much longer. These changes opened the market to new home-buyers who would otherwise have little access to an inflated housing market.

Now, in a seriously declining housing market and economy, it is possible that housing needs can be met by lower prices and greater inventory.

So what do we really mean by the term “affordable” in North Saanich? This is a fair question when you see that earlier this year; the average market price of a single-family dwelling in North Saanich was about $723,000, second highest in the CRD behind Oak Bay. In fact, the history of new housing built in North Saanich since 2002, tells the real story -- all units (single-family dwellings and condominiums in particular, including new lots) were priced according to market supply and demand, a market that had been one of the highest in more than 12 years and geared to maximum profitability, including higher income, off shore or non-resident buyers.

For the sake of argument, delete the word “affordable” and instead use the term “below market” housing. In a higher end real estate market such as North Saanich, what would “below market” housing look like? We need to examine the facts about income levels, employment markets and the disparity between land value and new housing costs in North Saanich with the second highest property assessments in the capital region.

In my view, developers define “affordable” housing in North Saanich as what they can afford to build and what you can afford to pay. If a purchaser can afford to get a mortgage for a new housing unit, single-family dwelling or multi-family unit, either low or high density, then that may be considered affordable in the North Saanich market. Furthermore, according to the recommendations of the North Saanich Housing Strategy report, anything affordable appears to be aimed at combined family incomes of between $70,000 and $100,000. Frankly, in North Saanich, that excludes young workers in service jobs, seniors on fixed incomes, people with disabilities on disability pensions and the majority of single parent families that otherwise qualify for affordable housing elsewhere in the CRD.

The Langford model, which some people have suggested we bring to North Saanich, is directly tied to the market value of land in the Western Communities. Langford works like this. The municipality requires developers to donate one affordable housing unit in every 10 before any re-zoning takes place. On a market price of approximately $350,000 per single-family unit for 10 units, the developer must dedicate 1 unit at a price of approximately $150,000 -$160,000. Qualified purchasers must also meet criteria that include a combined family income of no more than $60,000, family assets of no more than $50,000 and some kind of link with the community of Langford. Real estate agents marketing the affordable unit must waive their commissions. I understand that in 2007, there were about 1,700 applicants for one affordable unit. While this is a successful model for Langford and I commend them, it is obvious that there are not enough available units to meet the needs in Langford.

If we as municipal leaders are truly honest about our ability to build affordable housing in North Saanich, then we must develop a plan that involves all key stakeholders and partners at the table -- the BC Government through BC Housing, the Federal Government through CMHC, the real estate industry, banks, non-profit organizations and social service agencies and, of course, generous developers who are willing to reduce profits, donate land and dedicate housing units for sale at well below current market prices.

I support any plan for below market housing that is carefully developed, well managed and guarantees quality of life. We can do it but let’s be honest about what it will take and who will benefit.

Addressing Public Concerns About the Role of North Saanich in the McTavish Road Interchange Project

2009-06-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

It has recently come to my attention that some North Saanich residents have questions about the role of Mayor and Council in the proposed McTavish Road Interchange project. I understand that they are critical of what they perceive as a lack of intervention and representation on the part of North Saanich Council to stop or change the project, especially its design. As this perception is, in my view, inaccurate and concerns me, I want to share with you my general response to a local resident who contacted me this past week. If, after reading my reply below, you have any further questions or comments, please call me or send me an e-mail message. You may also want to contact other Council members with your comments/questions. Thank you.

Dear Resident:
Mayor Alice Finall has shown real leadership and was the first off the mark once this project was announced (by the federal and provincial governments and the Victoria Airport Authority) and called together the North Saanich and Sidney Councils asking for our feedback and arranging for two important meetings: a combined meeting with the Province at Council Chambers that included Sidney and North Saanich Council members and staff, where hard questions and community concerns were presented to the Province, resulting in a design change that restored McTavish Road as a thru street to Lochside; the other is Councilor Ruby Commandeur's suggestion for the formation of a Citizens' Liaison Committee, which was ratified at this week's Council meeting, as another vehicle for involving the community in giving ongoing feedback to the Province.

We also discussed the project at length at the last neighbourhood meeting in early June for Dean Park and the Southeast Quadrant. The comments and concerns expressed at that meeting were also shared with our municipal engineering staff who are in regular communication with Provincial staff. You can find a copy of the meeting minutes on the District website and my comments on this blog.

Further, Mayor Finall and I, as your representatives on the Tri-Municipal Council Committee, also raised issues on behalf of North Saanich residents at the last meeting in early June at which Mayor Cross, Mayor Mar and Mayor Frank Leonard of Saanich were present, along with senior staff from each of the three Peninsula municipalities. Mayor Cross and Mayor Finall keep in constant touch on this topic, both having major concerns about the impacts of the project on traffic in our two communities. Mayor Finall has also raised residents' concerns and suggestions for alternative designs with the Airport Authority.

We are trying to influence the process but as you must know, ultimately, we are at the mercy of the federal and provincial governments and the Airport Authority -- the Airport asked initially for the intersection improvements and raised $3-million to support the project. We supported the project in principle because of the belief that changes would result in major improvements to traffic safety and management at that intersection. We were never formally asked for input on the original design or to participate financially in the project nor would we do so, given the current economic decline and our attempts to hold the line on any local spending. We have, however, consistently shared with the Province alternative designs, ideas and concerns suggested by local residents.

I understand that Mayor Finall in fact attended the Open House the other night (June 17th), as did other Council members.

I don't mind taking the flack when it's well deserved, but on this topic I feel that the criticism is unfounded and the information is not accurate. I believe we are doing all we can to try to provide an effective voice for our community. The metaphor I will use is this -- we are trying to turn a freighter in a very tight space. In the end, I feel it is unrealistic to expect this Mayor and Council to radically change or stop the project when we are not in control at any level, including financially. We will continue to work within the limitations we face and to present community concerns at every opportunity.

I encourage you to contact MLA Murray Coell and MP Gary Lunn with your comments and concerns and you may also want to participate on the Citizens' Liaison Committee. Please watch for announcements about the Committee on the District website and in the Peninsula News Review.

Tri-Municipal Council Meeting Hosted by Central Saanich

2009-06-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

This week's Tri-Municipal Council Meeting (between North Saanich, Central Saanich and Sidney Mayors and Councils) was hosted by Central Saanich Mayor Jack Mar and his Council and highlighted by two key presentations, one by Karen Morgan, Board Chair of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation and one by Dick Faulks of Island Transformations, a group promoting light rail transit on the South Island.

Both presentations, recommended to the Tri-Municipal Council by North Saanich Mayor Alice Finall, demonstrate the importance of local community support and commitment, particularly in the case of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.

Facts About Our Local Community Hospital Foundation
- First opened as an extended care facility in 1974
- Acute care introduced in 1977
- Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation was created in 1985 and has grown to 14 Directors and 2 staff, with revenues of about $2.5M in 2008 - a streamlined and well run operation that is ahead of most Canadian health charities on returns on the dollar
- Raising funds essential and occurs through annual campaigning, major gifts and planned gifts
- Fund-raising helped to support major projects and improvements for the ECU (extended care unit), a new CT scanner and OR and OR 2 (operating rooms), representing a combined total of more than $4.0
- Projects pending include a new hospital chapel and further operating room renovations
- Karen Morgan closed her presentation by stating that the wonderful support the Foundation receives from local governments, Rotary Clubs and other groups, organizations and individuals demonstrates "that this hospital is needed, wanted and supported by the community."

I asked if and when the Saanich Peninsula Hospital might have full digital mammography for Saanich Peninsula women who must now travel to either the Mammography Clinic on Richmond Road in Victoria or to Victoria General Hospital at Helmcken -- Karen Morgan agreed to bring this item to the Board for consideration. Naturally, there would be a substantial cost involved in obtaining the best equipment to provide the best mammography possible but I feel it's worth a try. If you share my thoughts about providing full and permanent mammography services at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, please contact Karen Morgan and the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation to express your support. Thank you.

Island Transformations -- Future of Light Rail Transit on Southern Vancouver Island
- Did you know?:
- increasing price of oil will negatively impact food growing and limit our access to food from other parts of the world (transportation);
- lives will change and so will transportation;
- 885 acres of farmland on Vancouver Island is lost every year.

- How do we sustain a rural lifestyle, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our dependence on oil and the costs of transportation? -- LIGHT RAIL TRANSPORTATION
- 1996 saw the first regional study sponsored by BC Transit on the viability of LRT for this region
- 62 rails systems in North America are either being established or contemplated e.g., Portland, Oregon is cited as a strong model for successful application of LRT
- A recent proposal for the South Island focuses on the West Shore, with a regional rail line to downtown Victoria and enhancement of the E&N up island -- the larger concept is one that divides the CRD into 2 regions, with a central rail station built at Six Mile that would route to downtown Victoria and out the Peninsula -- a West Shore commuter rail system can be built for $16M and another $7M over 7 years -- a cheaper alternative than, for instance, the Malahat Study that suggested a $1.2B price tag for a bridge across Finlayson Arm
- LRT is cheaper, more efficient, less polluting and encourages less dependency on automobile transportation
- A Community Liaison Committee has now been established to explore regional rail and a new plan for the E&N -- consistent with the CRD's current targets for long term GHG emission reductions across the region
- "Start with something..."
- To learn about leading edge thinking and planning for LRT, please visit Island Transformations at http://www.islandtransformations.org/

Other Meeting Highlights
Central Saanich Councilor Alistair Bryson proposed exploring a new program to address youth crime in our communities, titled "Positive Ticketing." The program currently operates in Richmond and is getting positive results from both law enforcement and youth themselves -- it involves police officers ticketing youth for their positive behaviour and activities; the ticket may involve a free pass to the local recreation centre, movie theatre, etc. The program attempts to reinforce positive relationships between the community and youth and raise awareness about the positive contributions youth make to their communities. Central Saanich Councilor Adam Olsen supported this idea, suggesting that First Nations would appreciate input into such a proposal. Everyone agreed that this is something worth discussing with local police and the matter is now referred to the Peninsula Task Force for further discussion, an action-oriented sub-committee of the Tri-Municipal group. Stay tuned.

Central Saanich Councilor Alistair Bryson suggested that the three municipalities should focus on a big "splash" event to launch the opening of the new Panorama Pool expansion and to promote the opening in some special way. Municipal Peninsula Recreation Commission (PRC) representatives are asked to take this suggestion forward to the next PRC meeting.

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay occurs October 30, 2009, with the torch actually landing in North Saanich first. There was discussion about how the three municipalities could plan some type of recognition event as the torch passes, ever so briefly, through each of our communities. This could be an opportunity to showcase the new pool at Panorama. VANOC will also provide guidance and assistance to communities interested in event-planning, although it seems clear that VANOC will take the lead on any planning. Everyone agreed that involving local communities in this exciting event is important so this topic was referred to the Task Force for further discussion and brainstorming.

Meeting Focuses on CRD Plan

2009-05-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

With a 7:45 a.m. breakfast meeting, it was an early start to the day for elected officials and staff representing municipalities and the CRD who met on May 23 at the Forum of Councils to review and provide feedback on the CRD's Draft Strategic Plan, 2009-2011. I attended the session with Mayor Alice Finall and Councillors Chandler, Commandeur, Scoones and Shaw. Hosted and facilitated by the CRD, the day opened with two keynote speakers, Dr. Dastmalchian, Dean and Chair of U-Vic's Business School and S. Angus, Economic Development Officer, Greater Victoria Development Agency. Both speakers outlined the impacts of the current global recession and its relationship to Victoria's local economy.

The following are highlights of their presentations:

> U-Vic employs 15,000, garners about $100 million per year in research grants, has 12 faculties and is a destination university with 80% of students from elsewhere.
> The Faculty of Business currently serves 120 MBA students, employs 35 faculty, works with 670 companies around the world and has a mandatory co-op program.
> Economic recovery anticipated to begin in late 2010.
> While Canada is considered more stable than many of the world's countries, our household savings rates have declined and so has home equity (more critical in the U.S.).
> Eastern Canada has been the hardest hit, especially in the manufacturing and construction sectors.
> Consumer confidence down but showing signs of slow recovery.
> Percentage of mortgage debt per household better in Canada than in the U.S.
> Because of "globalization," economies and world markets are extensively connected and interdependent.

Focused specifically on Victoria, the Greater Victoria Development Agency revealed:

> Victoria is fortunate, with a diversity of industry, entrepreneurship and youth employment.
> The 20 to 50 age group comprises the largest demographic in the region and Greater Victoria has an average median age of 43.1 years.
> Victoria's annual GDP is $11.3 billion.
> Expected market growth for Victoria in the next 1 to 2 years is estimated at 2.5%, with an estimated 1.2% in population growth.
> Second best location in Canada for job creation.
> Victoria has approximately 23,000 public sector employees, about 12,000 in hi-tech, about 5,700 in construction, almost 19,000 in tourism, about 2,500 in agricultural and food production, nearly 7,000 in arts and culture sectors and approximately 14,000 in professional scientific and technical.

Following the keynotes, there was an opportunity for audience questions. Perhaps one of the most profound in my view was a question from second term Central Saanich Councillor and local farmer, Alistair Bryson. Keeping in mind that the theme of the keynote address was titled, "The Capital Region…Building Our Economy for a Sustainable Future," Councillor Bryson asked how we, as a region, can learn to measure our progress in relation to environmental sustainability rather than based only on economics, given that conventional economies and markets have recently failed us and we continue to use non-renewable resources -- a thought-provoking question to be sure and I observed a lot of nodding heads seemingly in agreement with Councillor Bryson's sentiments.

We then broke into small groups to review and give feedback on the draft CRD Strategic Plan for 2009 to 2011, with wide-ranging discussion and very useful feedback provided by Mayors and Council members alike. Mayor Finall, as the Chair of the CRD Environment Committee, made brief remarks to the larger audience (as did all Mayors who are Committee Chairs), outlining the need for continued environmental protection, with a focus on regional food self-sufficiency. You will recall that Mayor Finall and many of us who ran and were elected in the last municipal election identified agriculture, food production and food security as vital to the future of North Saanich.

The Forum wound up at noon, was well attended, participants worked hard and results of their written feedback will be summarized by the CRD and shared with all municipalities. Once that material is forwarded to me, I will post it on the blog, for your information. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch with me and/or visit the CRD website (link provided on this blog).

Peninsula Committee Task Force Holds First Meeting

2009-05-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

I was pleased to attend with Mayor Finall the first meeting of the new Peninsula Committee Task Force, a sub-group of the Tri-Municipal Council comprised of the three Peninsula municipalities (Central Saanich, North Saanich and Town of Sidney). North Saanich Mayor and Council appointed me as Council representative on the Task Force to work with Mayor Finall and other municipal Mayors, their Council representatives and senior staff in addressing specific concerns of mutual interest, such as: the McTavish Road interchange; and, the need for affordable employee and farm-workers' housing recently identified by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. I will keep you posted on our progress.

North Saanich Residents’ Association Has Strong Turn-out To Its Annual General Meeting

2009-05-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

Once again, I attended the North Saanich Residents' Association (NSRA) annual general meeting held this week. Despite sharing the evening with the NHL play-offs and Vancouver Canucks, there was a strong turn-out to the meeting; one of the largest I've seen in the past few years. Mayor Alice Finall was the keynote speaker and North Saanich Fire Chief Gary Wilton made presentations on outdoor burning and emergency services in the District.

Mayor Finall gave a comprehensive summary of activities, events and priorities since her inauguration in early December 2008 and it seemed that the audience was favourably impressed. As you know, the NSRA produces the Heronwatch, a newsletter mailed to every household about two or three times a year. The Association also hosts an All Candidates' Meeting during every municipal election that always packs in the public in big numbers. The Association is also a good source of information and political comment, so good in fact that their membership has increased to approximately 200 households this year. Their Board of Directors remains the same, with Geoff Orr as President. I am a former Board Director and I can tell you that if you want to know and understand more about community issues here in North Saanich and on the Peninsula, then I recommend joining the NSRA. For more information about them, please contact Dee Bailin at 250-656-4747.

New Customer Service Questionnaire For North Saanich

2009-05-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

Last year I talked about the possibility of conducting a customer service survey questionnaire to assess the quality of our municipal services, including customer relations. Private and public sector organizations routinely use customer or client survey feedback to evaluate level, quality and planning of services, including customer relations. I suggested putting a drop box in each of the two reception areas at the Municipal Hall where completed surveys could be dropped off by the public following their interaction with staff and services. I am pleased to tell you that as of this week, such a process is being developed and will be implemented soon. Thanks to Charlene Nash, our Executive Secretary/HR Assistant, she has already drafted a sample survey questionnaire for Council's review and feedback. Please be sure to watch for the questionnaires and drop boxes when you are next at the Municipal Hall and please take the time to fill them out. Your input will be very helpful in guiding the municipality on how to better serve you the residents and other members of the public. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me 250-656-3205 or to contact Charlene Nash at 250-656-0781.

McTavish Road Interchange Update

2009-04-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

At the request of Mayor Alice Finall, planning and transportation representatives from the Provincial Government attended a meeting on April 29th at our Municipal Hall to update Sidney and North Saanich Mayors, their Council members and their staff on the proposed McTavish Road Interchange project, due for completion in early 2011. North Saanich and Sidney share significant concerns about the current interchange and "fly over" design.

The major concern is the potential loss of McTavish Road as a connector to Lochside and ultimately to the Sidney core. Mayors Finall and Cross expressed, on behalf of their constituents, what a mistake the Province would be making if it proceeded with a design that eliminated connectivity for McTavish Road. The Mayors suggested that with the closure of McTavish Road, serious traffic implications for local traffic patterns in each of their municipalities would negatively impact Beacon Avenue, Canora Road, East Saanich Road and Amity Road, at the very least.

When the Provincial government representative indicated that these issues might be outside his scope, I stated that what was outside his scope was definitely inside ours -- in other words, our residents from Sidney and North Saanich would have to live with the results and our municipal governments would be left "holding the bag" if serious traffic issues were created and left unresolved by the Province.

As many of us pointed out at the meeting, whatever is built at the intersection will be there for at least 60 years so it would be prudent for the Province to "get it right" the first time. The Province is holding an Open House in mid-June so I encourage everyone to watch for the details, either on this blog and/or on the websites for North Saanich and Sidney.

What makes this whole project particularly challenging for municipal government is the fact that we are not making any financial contribution to the interchange project; therefore, our ability to control or have influence over the planning process may be somewhat limited. But that certainly doesn't mean we will sit quietly on the sidelines -- today's meeting made it clear to the Province that North Saanich and Sidney want to be active planning partners in whatever final design is chosen for the McTavish Road site. We have asked for regular, weekly communication with the Province during the planning and design phases, beginning immediately. We have stressed the importance of public consultation, given the public's keen interest in this project.

I will keep you updated on this project and provide as much information as often as I can -- stay tuned and if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

May 26 - There is an editorial in the Times-Colonist today regarding the McTavish Road Interchange. It's worth a read and can be found at:
http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/better+airport+exchange/1631065/story.html

North Saanich's Agricultural Area Plan - A First In The CRD

2009-04-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 60 or 70 years ago, Vancouver Island grew and provided its residents with about 90 per cent of their food? Today, the Island grows and provides less than 5 per cent. Did you know that if we experience a major disaster that cuts off transportation links to Vancouver Island, we have only enough food at any given time to last Vancouver Islanders for about 7 days? There is a lot of attention being paid these days (as it should be) to food security, local growing and the 100 mile diet. Everyone talks about food (availability, security, organic growing, support for local growers) and I understand that next to the economy, food is at the top of the public's agenda for action.

So I am extremely encouraged to learn that North Saanich is the first municipality within the CRD to start developing an agricultural area plan that will have local, regional and possible Vancouver Island impacts. Derek Masselink of Masselink Environmental Design has been hired to help the District carry out the planning process, starting with a presentation to Council this week that laid out the work plan for the next few months, with a lot of emphasis on public consultation. The consultant has targeted December 2009 as the completion date for the Plan.

I have believed, for some time, that North Saanich is well positioned to be a "bread basket" for Vancouver Island -- North Saanich is where large-scale food production has unlimited potential. In this context, you can call me pro-food development. This was one of the messages that many of us running for Council last fall tried to take to the public -- elect Council members who will work to restore North Saanich's farms and agricultural lands and invest in the future health and security of our community. North Saanich residents heard and understood the message and elected a Mayor and a majority of Councillors who share these goals about strengthening the connection between local food security and health -- completion and implementation of an agricultural area plan is the first step to achieving these goals.

By the way, I want to plug Dean Park on this issue -- when I was door-knocking during the last election, I learned that many Dean Park residents are fiercely rural and agricultural. Over and over again, they asked me to protect agriculture and farming in North Saanich so while Dean Park may look suburban, many of its residents are farmers at heart -- just like the latest YouTube phenomenon Susan Boyle, "Never judge a book by its cover."

North Saanich Mayor Alice Finall and Councillors Scoones, Commandeur, Chandler and I are especially pleased that North Saanich's Agricultural Advisory Commission has been instrumental in moving ahead with the project. Planning Director Tracy Olsen and her staff are also providing support to the process, which will involve extensive consultation with all stakeholders, including the farming and agricultural community, other Peninsula municipalities, local businesses and retailers, North Saanich residents and the general public. I was particularly interested to know how we can engage the public in this process so please watch for notices and announcements about public consultation meetings and open houses in and around North Saanich. I understand that the first public meeting is scheduled for May 27, 2009 with time and location TBD.

In addition to this blog, please watch for announcements on the District website and in the Peninsula New Review. If you have questions or comments about the agricultural area planning process, please contact Barbara Brennan, Chair of North Saanich's Agricultural Advisory Commission at 250-656-7808 or Hamish Crawford, Vice-Chair at 250-656-1819.

North Saanich Proposes Tax Increase Of About 5%

2009-04-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Given the state of our current economy, some residents thought that we should have no tax increase at all this year while others suggested that we should spend our way out of the economic recession. I believe that the District worked hard, therefore, to strike a balance between these two very different views of the world at a time when economic gloom and doom dominate the news.

After this week's budget meeting, I am supporting what I believe is a reasonable proposed municipal tax increase of about 5 per cent. In fact, one might say it's rather modest, given that the last few years have seen tax increases well above 5 per cent. At this Mayor and Council's request (with the exception of Councillor Bob Shaw who voted against the 5 per cent cap), staff worked hard to bring all departmental budgets back to just 5 per cent. Director of Finance Ralph Gillis and his staff analyzed the budget according to discretionary vs. non-discretionary spending, meaning the difference between having choice about what we spend and where we spend it and having to meet expenditures for which we have no choice, such as staff salaries, previous capital commitments, CRD levies and surcharges, hospitals, schools, provincial regulations, etc.

In the end, it means that we are trying to keep a lid on municipal spending while ensuring that we maintain our level of services and meet our commitments to the community, now and for the future.

This year's tax rate also means good news for waterfront owners, who lead North Saanich taxpayers with the largest proportional reduction to their property tax. It's also good news for our commercial and business partners as we continue our commitment to lowering the North Saanich commercial tax rate and bringing it in line with other Peninsula municipalities.

Budgeting and taxes are the most challenging exercise for small municipalities like ours, especially in a climate of provincial downloading and global recession. While I think we need to be prudent, we must also continue to move our community forward to meet tomorrow's needs and to plan for the long term.

For more details about North Saanich's budget, please check the District website. The bylaws to enact this year's tax levy will be prepared for our next Council meeting in approximately two weeks. In the meantime, if you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact Ralph Gillis directly at 250-656-0781. In addition, to get excellent information that makes all of this understandable, I recommend a visit to the District website (you can access it here on my blog) to download the Sussex Report; an excellent overview of the municipal tax system and what it means for North Saanich.

Hightlights of the AVICC Conference

2009-04-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

AVICC Conference Highlights

From April 3 to 5, 2009 in Nanaimo, I attended the 60th annual meeting of the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities (AVICC). The Association represents approximately 48 municipalities, local governments and regional districts on Vancouver Island, including Powell River and meets annually to bring forward issues and topics of concern from member communities and make recommendations and resolutions ahead of the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention held every September. This year's new President of AVICC is Mayor Christopher Causton of Oak Bay.

I participated in the voting process and supported the following resolutions, all of which were adopted or CARRIED by the majority of the voting membership. The following resolutions may be of particular interest to North Saanich:

AGRICULTURE FUNDING - BC spends 3.3% of its provincial budget on agriculture compared to the national average of 16.4%; Therefore, be it resolved that the Provincial Government increase financial support Agriculture consistent with the national average and cease approving any further ALR exclusions.
RESTORATION OF BC HYDRO MANDATE - The BC Energy Plan limited the mandate for BC Hydro to grow public green power assets and is instead directed to buy power from private power utilities (e.g., Run of the River projects); Therefore, be it resolved that BC Hydro have its mandate restored to look for opportunities to look for sustainable alternatives.
RESTORATION OF VICTIM SERVICES' AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FUNDING - Local governments are called on increasingly to fund Victim Services and Restorative Justice Programs; Therefore, be it resolved that the Provincial Government provides sustainable ongoing funding for community-based restorative justice and victim services' programs.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INSTALLATION - Governments at all levels should be encouraging the use of "green" methods of energy generation; Therefore, be it resolved that Provincial Government provides incentives to encourage new construction to be pre-plumbed and pre-wired for future solar panels or other alternative energy installations.

Other resolutions that called for action from the AVICC and were CARRIED included:

Agreement by the Provincial Government to cover costs incurred by local governments of responding to provincial referrals.
Protection of community watersheds.
Infrastructure program funding for municipal governments (similar to fed/prov Gas Tax Agreement) by provincial and federal governments that provides direct funding for small scale infrastructure projects.
Compensation for large scale mining activities.
Local government election date change from November to October.
Safer communities and neighbourhoods legislation by the province to address public disorder and neighbourhood deterioration caused by illicit drug houses, problem addresses , etc.
International medical graduates program revised to remove obstacles to Canadians, trained as doctors in other Commonwealth countries or the US from returning to Canada to practice.
A provincial moratorium on all Independent power projects (IPPs) until a set of public oversight conditions are met.
Vancouver Island transmission corridor to help Vancouver Island to achieve power self-sufficiency from 100% green power sources.
Ferry service routes strategy for minor southern coastal ferry routes.
VIA Rail to provide a passenger train service for Vancouver Island that is sustainable and efficient.
BC farm assessment policy criteria and its very negative impact on small farming operations across Vancouver Island.
Need for provincial integrated sustainable energy planning process.

If you would like more information about AVICC, please visit their website at http://www.avicc.ca/

My View

2009-03-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Municipal governments continue to take on greater responsibility as senior governments, especially the provincial government, continue to devolve to the local level what were formerly provincial responsibilities. Municipal governments today seem left to "manage in the middle," a sometimes precarious place where they teeter between increasing public demand on one side and senior levels of government opting out on the other. Not an easy place to be, particularly when local governments sit squarely on the front lines of our communities and are the most visible, closest to us and with the greatest impact on our daily lives. With all of this in mind, it's no wonder that small municipalities like North Saanich need the support and involvement of the community to help get things done.

When ordinary residents who run for and are elected to political office (your local Mayor and Council), they can be your friend, your neighbour, attend your church, share your kids' carpool, belong to your health club, volunteer with you, work with you or belong to your service club --- this is certainly true in North Saanich and these relationships and personal connections are part of what makes this such a great small community. But when these ordinary relationships are tested by extraordinary circumstances, it may be unavoidable that personal dynamics take on a political dimension.

This is especially true in dealing with conflict where emotions can run high and people can arrive "loaded for bear" based on what they believe or think they know to be true about a given situation. Added to the fact that North Saanich residents tend to be passionate about land use and their quality of life, the potential for vocal public reaction to local government is always present. After all, public participation is the hallmark of democracy and in a small community; it's easier to get involved and to make a difference.

But when public participation is expressed by aggressive, demeaning or intimidating behaviour towards others, especially during Council meetings where issues and people often collide, I feel that we all share a responsibility to one another to demonstrate respect and decorum inside the Council Chamber, no matter how heated the argument or strong the disagreement. In fact, the Council Chamber is much like a Courtroom -- the role of Mayor and Council is quasi-judicial and decisions are guided by legislation, policies and procedures.

I am encouraged to see the public attending and participating in Council meetings. I am discouraged when anger and bad manners appear to overshadow the proceedings. All of us, including the public, the Mayor, members of Council and municipal staff owe it to each other to behave respectfully, no matter how much we disagree or how difficult or sensitive the issue is at the time. Eighteenth Century Irish-born novelist Lurence Sterne put it something like this: "Self-respect guides our morality. Respect for others guides our manners" -- worth remembering.

CRD Septic Bylaw

2009-03-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

SOME NORTH SAANICH COUNCIL MEMBERS NOT SO PUMPED UP ABOUT PROPOSED CRD SEPTIC BYLAW

We first learned in 2008 about the CRD's proposed bylaw to de-regulate monitoring and maintenance of septic systems to the private sector and rely on the industry to collect and provide data to the CRD for their database that would tell them when property owners in the region needed to pump out their tanks.

The pump-out cycle was only every 5 years, and failed to involve inspection of septic fields or anything else related to the system. I strenuously opposed North Saanich's participation in this bylaw, arguing that half of North Saanich properties are on septic systems and that we should develop and implement our own monitoring and maintenance process that would meet local needs and actually involve inspection to protect health and the environment. But I lost the battle when the majority of the previous Council voted to participate in the CRD bylaw.

Supporting the bylaw also meant an annual total parcel tax of $40,000 paid by property owners with septic systems. I believed that the municipality and property owners were paying too much for not much.

Then, last week, the bylaw came back to the new Council for adoption. New Council members began raising similar issues to mine, including:

Cost to individual North Saanich property owners for a service that provides little protection and nothing more than a database.
De-regulation and lack of local government oversight that put health and the environment at risk.
The role of CRD as nothing more than a gatekeeper.
Reliance on private industry sector to provide information to build and maintain the database (should industry regulate itself?).
Absence of any inspection process that looks at the whole septic system, especially the field, for potential failures.
Exclusion of type 1 Septic Systems - the oldest known system in North Saanich and the one most prone to failure.
Inadequate pumping schedule of every 5 years (shouldn't it be every 2 or 3 years?).
Lack of local government involvement to enforce safety and address local issues in an expeditious manner.

As a result of this new perspective by a new Council, the Mayor has introduced a motion to repeal the bylaw, providing North Saanich with the chance of opting out. Further, in yesterday's Times-Colonist and Vancouver Sun newspapers, health officials are heavily criticizing the B.C. government's de-regulated approach to septic system monitoring, maintenance and inspection and warning the government about subsequent safety and health issues. In the Friday, March 6th edition of the Times-Colonist, the B.C. government has agreed to take another look at the legislation in time for the next UBCM convention in September.

Stay tuned for further news on this topic. At next Wednesday's CRD Board meeting (March 11), the bylaw will be introduced for voting and adoption. I suspect that in view of recent events in North Saanich, in the media and at the provincial level, the future of this bylaw is anything but certain.

Affordable Housing in North Saanich - Keeping Them Honest

2008-10-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

By Cairine Green, Candidate for North Saanich Council -- November 2008

In this election, the issue of “affordable” housing is a topic of debate. Whether North Saanich can provide housing that young families, young singles, single parent families, people with disabilities and seniors on fixed incomes can afford to buy and sustain is a good question.

Providing social housing in a North Saanich real estate market is a huge challenge that requires more than just developers, politicians and real estate agents telling us that it should and can be done.

The red-hot real estate market, which is cooling down as we speak, was accelerated by three major factors:

the Federal government, through CMHC, relaxed mortgage regulations by introducing zero per cent down;
the Bank of Canada and central banks kept interest rates low; and
major lenders increased maximum amortization periods from 25 years up to 40 years.

Buyers could borrow more, pay less and for much longer. These changes opened the market to new homebuyers who would otherwise have little access to an inflated housing market.

So what do we really mean by the term “affordable” in North Saanich? This is a fair question when you see that earlier this year; the average market price of a single-family dwelling in North Saanich was about $723,000, second highest in the CRD behind Oak Bay. In fact, the history of new housing built in North Saanich since 2002, tells the real story -- all units (single-family dwellings and condominiums in particular, including new lots) were priced according to market supply and demand, a market that had been one of the highest in more than 12 years and geared to maximum profitability, including higher income, off shore or non-resident buyers.

For the sake of argument, delete the word “affordable” and instead use the term “below market” housing. In a higher end real estate market such as North Saanich, what would “below market” housing look like? We need to examine the facts about income levels, employment markets and the disparity between land value and new housing costs in North Saanich with the second highest property assessments in the capital region.

In my view, developers define “affordable” housing in North Saanich as what they can afford to build and what you can afford to pay. If a purchaser can afford to get a mortgage for a new housing unit, single-family dwelling or multi-family unit, either low or high density, then that may be considered affordable in the North Saanich market.

According according to the recommendations of the North Saanich Housing Strategy report, anything affordable appears to be aimed at combined family incomes of between $70,000 and $100,000. Frankly, in North Saanich, that excludes young workers in service jobs, seniors on fixed incomes, people with disabilities on disability pensions and the majority of single parent families that otherwise qualify for affordable housing elsewhere in the CRD.

The Langford model, which some people have suggested we bring to North Saanich, is directly tied to the market value of land in the Western Communities. Langford works like this. The municipality requires developers to donate 1 affordable housing unit in every 10 before any re-zoning takes place. On a market price of approximately $350,000 per single-family unit for 10 units, the developer must dedicate 1 unit at a price of approximately $150,000 -$160,000. Qualified purchasers must also meet criteria that include a combined family income of no more than $60,000, family assets of no more than $50,000 and some kind of link with the community of Langford. Real estate agents marketing the affordable unit must waive their commissions. I understand that last year, there were about 1,700 applicants for one affordable unit. While this is a successful model for Langford and I commend them, it is obvious that there are not enough available units to meet the needs in Langford.

If we as municipal leaders are truly honest about our ability to build affordable or below market housing in North Saanich, then we must develop a plan that involves all key stakeholders and partners at the table. We need to involve the BC Government through BC Housing, the Federal Government through CMHC, the real estate industry, banks, non-profit organizations and social service agencies and, of course, generous developers willing to reduce profits, donate land and dedicate housing units for sale at well below current market prices.

I support any initiative for below market housing in North Saanich if it is well planned, well managed and guarantees quality of life. We can do it, but let’s be honest about what it will take and who will benefit.

CRD And Its Regional Growth Strategy Review 2008 - A Must Read

2008-10-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

Further to my article on Regional Growth Strategy, the Capital Regional District (CRD) has released its most recent State of the Region 2008 Review of the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). I encourage all North Saanich voters to examine this report which can be found at http://www.crd.bc.ca/regionalplanning/growth/index.htmIt tells the real story behind planned growth, development and housing in the CRD and points out the significance of our 2007 Official Community Plan (OCP) for managing growth and development here in North Saanich.

Below are some key highlights from this report that I think are critical to the current debate about unplanned growth and development and the need to protect green and blue spaces in North Saanich, defined by the CRD as a rural-residential municipality outside the regional urban containment boundary:

REGIONAL PLANNING

The intent of the RGS is to direct the majority of growth into designated areas (the Regional Urban Containment and Servicing Policy Area (RUCSPA), accessible to servicing, transit and community facilities.
The RGS also restricts the extension of piped services to areas beyond the RUCSPA boundary if the intent of the servicing is to facilitate urban development.
Rural agricultural land has been continually decreasing since the Agricultural Land Reserve set aside 12,085 hectares in 1972...due to the pressures of urban development.
When the urban portion of the region is kept compact, the advantages are that development can be more efficiently serviced, public transit can be better provided, cycling and walking can become more viable and there is better protection for green and blue spaces (e.g., North Saanich).
The intent of the RGS is to encourage higher density development within the Urban Containment Boundary, while maintaining lower densities in rural areas...indicators are that the Urban Containment Boundary will be able to accommodate the region's population growth over the next 20 years.
A constant land area containing the majority of the population growth indicates that the urban containment boundary is properly situated.

EMPLOYMENT FACTORS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION

The average 2007 house price in the Victoria Census Metropolitan Area is nearly 10 times the average wage. The gap between average household income and the requirement to purchase an average single detached dwelling has widened for the fourth consecutive year to nearly $75,000.
The establishment of a Housing Trust Fund in 2005 was a key initiative in the Regional Housing Affordability Strategy. The fund supports and leverages capital funding for acquiring, developing and retaining affordable housing for individuals and families with low or moderate incomes in the region. North Saanich participates in this fund.
Lower development costs make developing on the rural fringes attractive; however, the servicing demands on the public are high in these areas, resulting in the inefficient use of resources. Servicing development within the urban containment boundary makes the most efficient use of infrastructure.
Between 2001 and 2006, the employment share within the CRD for the Saanich Peninsula remained stable at 11 per cent of the region's total.
Total greenhouse gas emissions since 1995 and between 2001 and 2006 have decreased, due in large part to fuel efficient motor vehicles.

The intent of the regional containment boundary and the approaches needed to reduce sprawl development and inefficient servicing patterns should be enhanced, including: housing, unprotected green space, resource lands, regional sustainability and climate change.

Regional Growth Strategy - My position

2008-10-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

REGIONAL GROWTH STRATEGY

By Cairine Green, North Saanich

I support the motion to deny the amendment to the Regional Growth Strategy. To explain my position, I want to provide the following background information. Like many people, I needed to completely understand what the strategy is and what it really means for North Saanich, the Saanich Peninsula and the region.

The Capital Regional District Board adopted the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) on August 13, 2003. The strategy represents an agreement, developed and approved, by all member municipalities and the regional district in partnership, on social, economic and environmental goals and priority actions.

This is a landmark agreement, a landmark agreement as cited in a report prepared in March 2003 by the Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, titled, “The Capital Regional District Growth Strategy: Herding Cats onto the Road of Sustainability”. In part, the report states:

In many urban and rural areas, local citizens motivated by concerns about community disruption and environmental degradation have resisted development projects of various kinds. In some cases, these actions have reflected a broader concern that on a finite planet, or at least in a finite community or region, future growth in human demands will be increasingly destructive.

The result has been a second wave of growth management that is expected to cover not just all factors that affect growth patterns, but also all consideration that affect long-term community and ecological sustainability.

Sustainability is fundamentally a matter of applied ethics. It has a human focus but involves consideration of future as well as present interests and recognizes ultimate human dependence on the biosphere. Arguably, commitment to sustainability entails adoption of what Aldo Leopold called the “land ethic” – extending the definition of community from the social interaction of individuals to the linking of all components of the natural world, and requiring people to view themselves as stewards of the land.

Development of this kind allows for the building of a shared local culture that encompasses history, values and traditions of a particular place or region.

In 1995, the BC government passed the Growth Strategies Statutes Amendment Act to facilitate better coordination of municipalities, regional districts and the provincial government to deal with complex growth management issues. However, its most significant provisions focus on the regional level. The act gave “legislative authority” for regional districts to voluntarily develop and adopt a Regional Growth Strategy.

A regional growth strategy is a regional vision that commits affected municipalities and regional districts to a course of action to meet common social, economic and environmental objectives. It also forms a part of a municipality’s Official Community Plan through a Regional Context Statement, which links the RGS to the municipal plan. The RGS is designed to outline the regional vision for the next 20 years.

The core objective of the Growth Strategies Act is “to promote human settlement that is socially, economically and environmentally healthy and makes efficient use of ... land and other resources.” The foremost priority goals for the RGS are:

Avoiding urban sprawl and ensuring that development takes place where adequate facilities exist
Protecting environmentally sensitive areas
Maintaining the integrity of a secure, productive resource base, including agricultural, and forestland reserves
Protecting the quality and quantity of ground and surface water

Conclusion:
Without consistent support and long term commitment from the Capital Regional District through its Regional Growth Strategy, municipal boundaries that keep urban containment compact will be vulnerable, resulting in unmanaged growth that will continue to threaten green and rural spaces, agriculture and farmland and forests and water resources. Local governments in the CRD must now decide how strong, consistent and effective they will be in the application of sound land use policy that considers critical factors such as:

Regional energy planning and conservation
Food production and security
Efficient, economical and environmentally sound transporation planning
Conservation and use of water resources
Waste disposal

The Regional Growth Strategy enables local governments to manage growth with confidence and vision, to plan for the future and for an environmental legacy of which generations after us can be proud.

The report by the University of Waterloo concludes with the following statement that, for me, says it all in a nutshell:

If the necessary goodwill and commitment are to be found anywhere in B.C., they are to be found among the municipal leaders and residents of the CRD, given the long standing concern for quality of life issues in this region. What happens in the CRD will therefore be an important test of the Regional Growth Strategy mechanism. If effective growth management using the Regional Growth Strategy cannot be accomplished in the CRD, it is unlikely that the mechanism will work well anywhere in the Province.

The latest CRD Report on Regional Growth Management is now available on the CRD website.

I urge voters to read this latest update on the State of the Region Report. It is a five-year review of the Regional Growth Strategy which was released in September 2008.
The report can be found at: http://www.crd.bc.ca/regionalplanning/growth/index.htm