A Conversation on Amalgamation in Victoria BC, February 7th SJ Willis

I’m a proponent of amalgamation, or, at the very least,  greater sharing of services, in the Capital Regional District (Victoria BC). In the past I’ve participated in conversations and committees of the Chamber of Commerce and ad-hoc citizens’ groups.

There are currently a number of websites or pages devoted to this question:

Amalgamate Greater Victoria  http://amalgamategreatervictoria.blogspot.com

The Actual Fact (Norm Allison) http://theactualfact.com/?p=196

Vibrant Victoria Amalgamation thread: http://vibrantvictoria.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=1263&page=19

Since the recent municipal elections in November 2011, a number of high profile individuals, including John Vickers (Victoria Busker Festival) and even Langford Mayor Stew Young (overheard on CFAX 1070) have indicated an interest in “furthering the conversation”.

It’s not like it hasn’t been done before – in 2005/2006 Myrna Borleske, governor of the Chamber of Commerce, and well-known and respected business leader, was instrumental in spear-heading a move for amalgamation at LessGov.com.

Now, a group of local citizens, including one recently elected Victoria councillor (Shellie Gudgeon) are hosting a meeting on Tuesday February 7th at 7pm at SJ Willis Education Centre.  There is no cost to attend but participants are asked to register here:

Media Advisory
For Immediate release
A Conversation about Amalgamation
The Greater Victoria community are invited to attend and participate in a public meeting on local and regional governance.

When: Tuesday February 7th,
Where: S. J. Willis School, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria BC
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Free entry

Speakers will provide short presentations on the history of Greater Victoria – how we arrived at 13 municipalities – and the current challenges facing regional government. The presentations will be followed with an opportunity for the community to share thoughts, comments, suggestions and questions at a number of engagement stations.

Meeting Conveners: Shellie Gudgeon, Tamara Hernandez, Susan Jones, Rod Phillips and Mat Wright

Mission Statement: We are a group of Greater Victoria citizens opening the conversation on how we are governed
Speakers will be announced when confirmed. Further information can be found on the Facebook Page, (Amalgamation Victoria) and through the media contact.

Please include this event in community calendars and public service announcements.

Media enquiries and requests for interviews please contact Mat Wright.

Mat Wright
contact@wrightresult.com
Mobile – 250 686 5945

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it’s an important conversation for the region. Please consider attending. Lend your voice to the conversation.

Here’s a site with other amalgamations in BC: http://amalgamatebc.blogspot.com/p/amalgamations-in-bc.html