How are they doing down at the Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, CVRD and District 71 town halls? | Archive photo
The Week: Take our local government survey!
Are you satisfied with the performance of your elected officials? In less than two years — 20 months and three weeks to be exact — Comox Valley voters will again elect representatives to local municipal councils, the regional district and the District 71 school board.
We have just passed the middle of our sitting elected officials’ current terms.
And if the 2018 election is any reliable indicator, some candidates will start their campaigns for the Oct. 15, 2022 election around this time next year.
So how have our elected officials performed over the last two-plus years? What have they done well and what have they not done so well? What are the issues each council and board should address in the last half of their terms?
We’re curious about how Decafnation readers would answer those questions.
This week, Decafnation is launching its first-ever Local Government Performance Review. It’s a short survey that asks readers to rank their satisfaction with the elected officials who represent them and to specify the issues they should tackle before the 2022 election.
Readers will also have the ability to make brief comments about their rating of each councillor, director or trustee. The comments are a key part of the survey because they will help explain your responses.
It is an anonymous survey. Share it widely.
— On the Decafnation Facebook page a few weeks ago, we asked for help from anyone experienced in building online surveys. We got lucky when Kelly Kostuik volunteered.
Kelly is a professional engineer with an MBA degree. She moved to the Comox Valley from Calgary with his family five years ago and now works as an independent consultant. That leaves him time for mountain biking, skiing, paddling, volunteering, learning new stuff and “checking things off my bucket list.”
Although he hadn’t used the Survey Monkey platform before, Kelly quickly became a whiz. He built the survey and the analytics behind it in just a few days.
— The deep disagreements over the future of the Comox Valley Economic Development Society (EDS) will be aired starting today, Jan. 19. But not publicly.
The mayors of Courtenay and Comox, regional electoral area directors and their chief administrative officers are scheduled to begin the process of formally reviewing the regional economic development function. The review was requested by the Town of Comox.
The regional district board had already decided after last fall’s two-day special session to plot a new course for the EDS over the next year. But the Town of Comox couldn’t wait, so they triggered this formalized session allowed for under the Local Government Act.
Why did they do that? We might never know because none of the review meetings will be held in open session.
That means the public will be barred from hearing why Comox initiated the review, what their grievances are and what our public officials discuss behind these closed doors.
However, the small review group cannot make any final decisions. Whatever courses of action emerge from the review will ultimately have to be approved by individual councils. And that will be public.
Among the multiple possible outcomes from the review, the Town of Comox could serve notice of its intention to withdraw from the function as Cumberland did about five years ago. If that happens the EDS will likely collapse, leaving Courtenay and the three rural electoral areas to figure out what might rise from the ashes.
— The Comox Youth Climate Council held their first-ever annual general meeting Saturday via Zoom. About 30 people participated, including some observers from over the maximum membership age of 25.
The CYCC is a group of dedicated Comox Valley high school, college and university students, “persistent in striving for climate action.”
The group formed last October “as a result of our feeling of responsibility and dedication to do our part fighting the climate crisis to safeguard the future of our planet and its inhabitants. Our vision is to create a space for youth aged from 13 to 25 years old from a diversity of backgrounds to come together to work for social and climate justice in the Comox Valley.”
Kalea Richardson was elected the group’s new chair after a spirited campaign speech. Although her opponent, Will Hatch, scored points for his willingness to collaborate and his praise for Richardson — “She would make a great chair…” — he fell a few votes short. Hatch will serve as treasurer of the group.
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The Week: Give us full transparency when paid ‘volunteers’ work with CV students
Faith-based volunteers can contribute positively to the educational experience in our public schools but everyone must be perfectly clear about who they are, what they can and cannot do and school administrators must monitor their activity closely and consistently
What’s dire: the lack of Comox subdivisions or climate change and gradual deforestation?
A Comox Valley developer is suing the Town of Comox because his permits to cut down trees and build more single-family homes haven’t been issued as fast as he’s wanted and because the town wants a wider walking trail through the property
The Week: Ken Grant fined by Elections BC and Parksville confronted by development, water issues
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THE WEEK: As Puntledge River goes lower, Colorado drinking recycled wastewater
A serious fall drought has reduced flows in the Puntledge River, shutting down hydroelectric power generation for the first time in 55 years. Meanwhile, many states eye sending treated wastewater to kitchen taps
THE WEEK: Let the people have a larger voice at Comox Valley council meetings
Making it easier for citizens to speak directly to municipal councils might increase public interest in local government, which in turn might encourage more registered voters to actually cast a ballot
The Week: Comox, Cumberland appointments pass, but no word on Courtenay … yet
Cumberland and Comox municipal councils approve their mayor’s annual appointments, but Courtenay was a no show at its inaugural meeting. Is there conflict behind the scenes?
The Week: Valley councils begin new terms, but will Comox ignore voters?
Dr. Jonathan Kerr topped the polls with voters, but will that resonate at the Comox Town Council as it is poised to approve new Mayor Nicole Minions’ appointments and assignments?
THE WEEK: Water supplies are good, fireworks are bad and where Daniel Arbour lives
Despite the long drought this summer, Comox Valley water system supplies have not been threatened; the BC Wildfire Service has banned fireworks this year and clarifying Daniel Arbour’s place of residence
Let’s put one of the craziest Comox Valley elections into the history book, and then close it
It was weird. But when the sun rose on Oct. 16, Comox Valley voters had made it clear they liked the direction charted by our local governments. In the municipalities, they elected all but two incumbents. In most races, the vote was a definite pat on the back for a job well done.
A few random items as the 2022 election comes to a close
Long-time public official Bronco Moncrief dies, Manno Theos hangs out in Greece, and Daniel Arbour reacts to lies about his campaign finances
Hi George,
I became interested in municipal government budgets some time ago. All municipal governments annual reports are available on line . The information is readily available. You can check it out.
Without getting into exact dollars and cents, you could compare what the 4 or so Comox Valley governments cost ratepayers, in reserve funds. Of course people with money are not burdened, but what will happen when Federal COVID payments end and some small businesses disappear?
Even without that , consider ,that rents have increased to the breaking point with increased housing values.
Sometime ago, the CVRD was one of wealthiest local governments in the Province,
Interesting that the town of Qualicum , with about 9000 residents has reserve funds of about 7 million dollars. A wealthy community, not invested heavily in local government bank accounts.So why are the Regional Government, city of Courtenay , and town of Comox allowed to collect excessive reserves funds from residents here ,who are so vulnerable. Where is Provimcial Government over site? Why is there not a mandate for cost effective service delivery? Affordable survices for the reality of 20, ooo low income earners here?
We need change.
Phil, you must have peeked into the Decafnation offices. With the help of some volunteers, we’ve been compiling some key financial data and comparisons of Comox Valley governments. Watch for our story tomorrow!
Hi George,
Looking forward to your article.
Lower income residents are also being burdened by the carbon tax. It has not yet hit the gas pumps but it has hit those who heat with natural gas. My Fortis natural gas costs have increased by 20 % in the last year, same consumption, not a problem for me, but for those facing huge rents and increased rates for water, liquid and solid waste, it is just another factor that makes normal life unaffordable.
I have always supported Canadian industry, but the carbon tax lands on lower income people the most. So I no longer think that we should pay the Public Relations
price , the carbon tax,for increases in oil and gas exports. Leave it in the ground , and take the pressure off lower income people who will be most impacted by carbon taxes.
It seems obvious that local governments need to either reduce fees or have zero increases in fees for water,liquid waste, and solid waste, until our economy has recovered from COVID. However long that takes. Local Govermments are well positioned in reserve funds, to do this.
Hi Daniel,
A different perspective:
If a homeowner took the same approach to reserves,as Regional Government , it would be necessary to have individual funds for appliances, such as Fridge, stove, dishwasher Microwave, hot water tank, roof, septic system, It would be necessary for the homeowner to have a total of 5o to 60 thousand dollars in Individual accounts and money could not be transferred between accounts. Dead money, not allowed to be used for any other purpose.
This Is very expensive and unrealistic approach for most homeowners,who could cover most emergencies with less than half the money tied up in contingencies, in a general fund.
The Province created Regional Districts in 1965. I don,t believe the intent was to create a more expensive form of government, than municipal Government, but here we are, today.
I think your concern is with policy-makers, not Regional Districts per se. Both municipalities and RDs can build whatever reserves they want (as can private companies and higher levels of government). We could also wind down our reserves by pulling from them and lowering the requisitions if we want. The end result would be the building of an asset replacement deficit, to be paid for by large tax increases to future generations, not to mention the break down of infrastructure and growing number of “emergencies” in the interim. I strive to balance cost-bearing between current and future taxpayers, and manage public assets prudently across each service, while trying to keep tax rates predictable without huge fluctuations. But you are right, many politicians place high discounts on future liabilities. Thanks for the input – always good debates to have.
Hi Daniel,
While some in your constiuency live in million dollar homes and can afford to invest in large reserve funds, there are a large number of low income residents in the Comox Regional District area who can’t afford to pay for services not provided or pay for essential services that make a large profit.
This the big issue -affordability. While the CVRD leads with inefficient, expensive silo reserve funds, the city of Courtenay and town of Comox are also building large general reserves, far beyond that required for emergency funding, which was the original intent. A few years ago , these local governments had over 100$ million dollars in reserves. Dead money, doing little for rate payers and in particular, lower income people who can,t afford to fund the dead money.
It,s a policy that makes the poor,poorer and gives funding to organizations that don’t need it. Sort of ” Reverse Robin Hood “
I think the poor get poorer when for years governments under-fund infrastructure, and then they have to deal with huge unexpected cash outlays – then it is hard to dig yourself out of the whole. I do invite you to follow the budget process if you wish, which starts on Monday. We consider every budget, reserve, and debt financing for each service, and weigh the pros and cons of different approaches, including ability for taxpayers to support the selected approach. I still think your core concern is with the policy approach of elected officials in regards to reserves, and the trend across Western governments to favor asset management plans (which tend to balance reserves and debt financing). I also acknowledge that your perspective is valid and held by others. Thanks for the thoughts ~
Hi Daniel,
This is not a criticism of those who provide good services in local Government. We live in the best place , anywhere. When you have money. I guess that is the story in most places.
You have a huge job, if you and other elected folks choose to represent those who can,t possibly attend those marathon meetings.Long Agendas that discourage public involvement and questions.
It, s all about affordability of services. You will know how many low income people, working in the service sector, who are a paycheque away from living in a tent. Or seniors with minimal income.
Thanks for engaging. I know there are other dedicated board members who struggle with the story that you have presented on the need for huge reserve funds. It only benefits those who manage budgets. And whose compensation is tied to the size of the budget. Sadly.
I view the Villiage of Cumberland as the process that was intended to provide municipal services. No frills, Council is connected to the community.
George, your survey is flawed. You seem to have overlooked that those people who own property in more than one jurisdicition pay taxes in more than one area and get to vote in more than one, and therefore suffer from the blight in more than one jurisdiction.
Humility in an elected official is much to be desired.
Rosa, you just said the most with the fewest words!
Rosa, agreed!
The problem with government’s at all levels is, the people who are least equipped, least capable of governing are the people most attracted to public office. They tend to be self-important, self-centred, egotistic, self entitled and essentially incompetent.
Part of the problem with your response is that your difficulty with punctuation undermines your competency argument. Plurals don’t take an apostrophe.
Secondly, your basic argument is specious. Public office has often attracted citizens of varied backgrounds who demonstrate expertise in their professional lives and a genuine desire to contribute to their community.
I agree with Andy. There are cases where Brian’s description applies, of course. Donald Trump, for example. But I would say his descriptors are false for 99 percent of local elected officials.
Hey now. Seems both Andy, Brian and George have great comments above and even though they are extremely diverse have got me thinking. Some people don’t really care about punctuation or attitudes of the people in power as long as they perform equitably for the people that voted for them all the while still taking into consideration “common sense”. Trump may or may not be that example. Even though he was not a life long politician who never worked in the real world some people agreed with most of the things he did regarding stopping the wars, improving the lives of minorities and the working class by bringing home jobs, removing red tape etc. etc.
Performance for the Comox Valley governments would include, (my opinion only), less government red tape.
Examples:
Just try and build a house off grid on 60 acres with a building permit. LOL.
Just try and get a building permit for any house and follow all the rules. LOL
Just try and park your logging truck over night on your 35 acre farm. Not allowed.
Just try to park your 10.5 meter boat for a winter on your 4 acre lot in Woss unless you live on the property. Not Allowed
These are not high density housing estates BTW
I can go on and on forever about red tape and some of the rules that make me wonder about the people who made them up. Maybe for every new rule one rule must be removed preferably one of the last two above.
Ah yes. The good intentions gone awry Zoning Bylaws issues. Getting pretty ridiculous these days both ways.
I participated in reviewing the proposed rural bylaws for The CVRD on and off for 2 years. What a can of worms. I don’t think these issues are created maliciously but the consequences can be catastrophic for those involved in the examples you just posted and many more.
And once the bylaws are enacted they can be selectively applied as well leaving one with a very long, expensive row to hoe if it is determined that one is in contravention.
You’re correct, Grant: we need courts of equity to help subjects of bylaws cut through a tangle (not saying it’s malicious, just tangled by complexity, stop-gaps, expediting, &c.) that many of them can’t abide by and are ill-equipped to untangle. Courts of equity find remedy for victims of rigidly applying the letter of the law and officious ignorance of the law’s spirit—in short, fairness.
Hi George,
Thanks for initiating this survey. I know that most who want to be in local Government are well intentioned and do a good job, within their very restricted mandate. As Grant Gordon will know after many years of volunteer service,the Administration is in control of process,OCP,s , RGS and bylaws. We do of course need policy and process. We do not need 4 different sets of bylaws for the Comox Valley as boundaries blend .
So the most expensive form of local Goverment is the Regional Government. Not because they have an obviously palatial office building, compared to Courtnay, Comox,Cumberland and KFN. They are most expensive as each service has a reserve fund, unlike a general reserve fund in other municipalities.55$ million in the 2018 year end report. Dead money from ratepayers in CVRD coffers
I suggest that Komox First Nations would be best to manage parklands out side of the city of Courteay, towns of Comox and Cumberland and on the Islands of Hornby and Denman.
Please not another CVRD park service,with another reserve fund.Let us phase out this interim form of Regioal Government and allow municipalities to manage all utilities,Roads,bridges and appropriately provide KFN the opportunity to manage their lands , outside municipalities.
Parklands for all of us to enjoy.
Phil, each reserve at the RD (where reserves exist – not all services have reserves) is specific to its service, and tends to correlate to an asset management plan or anticipated future expenditures – there is no “dead money”. This ensures that each service is transparent, accountable, and sustainable in the long term.
Personally I much prefer this to a general reserve, as with a general reserve it may be less clear how each service or asset can access it, and leaves access more at the whim of the political class. In my view, the requirement to keep each service autonomous at Regional Districts under the local government act allows for much more targeted and efficient management of the public purse. That is my view from here…
Don’t be hitching your band wagon to my name Phil. I understand your concern of increased taxation load on people with less disposable cash but pools of money are a useful tool for enabling local governments to maneuver quickly. As an ex APC member yourself you know that under provincial law each RD function has to be self financing unlike municipal law that allows Muni’s to incur debts. If the rural areas had a pool of parks money available they might have been in a more favourable negotiating position to pick up the river way from Courtenay up to Comox Lake.
Regulation created by bureaucrats to curb excesses like Martini Farming and the sensibilities of said cause a lot of collateral damage as applied to those living in more dire situations.
I am not happy with the results of the rural zoning bylaw review but one has to live with the small gains achieved to support the poorer people living in our rural areas.
Hi Grant,
If there ever was Governance review that had the goal of providing cost effective governance for all in the Comox Valley, I suggest that the overly complex, expensive Regional Government would be disbanded. The Village of Cumberland would Administer the land fill and Regional solid waste. The City of Courtenay would manage Regional water supplies.The Town of Comox would manage liquid waste. Komox First Nations would manage rural areas ,RGS ,and parks.
Unless there is change, I see large tent cities coming to the Comox valley . Within our lifetime.