A better way forward for Victoria City Council
Marg Gardiner’s Op-Ed was published in the Times Colonist on 14th December 2023
November Update – Land Use
In June, I discussed the dramatic changes made by Victoria City Council that will impact the character and livability of our neighborhoods. In this newsletter, I want to update you on bills and acts brought forward by the BC Government. These include Bills 34, 35, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47. The impacts on Victoria […]
Drugs in Irving Park
On November 9th, 2023, I was sent the following email. I found the email very insightful. I spoke at some length with the person who wrote the letter. He wanted his “story” told. I obtained permission to use his words after redacting information which might identify where he lives and other personal information. He is […]
What remuneration should your city Councillors receive?
Most municipalities grapple with the thorny issue of Councillor remuneration every few years. Over the term of the previous Council this became an often stated request of Councillors. The MNP Governance review addressed the matter and suggested that each Council should conduct a review near its term end to apply to the following Council. Several […]
Notes on Code of Conduct – Motion/bylaw of October 19, 2023
I wish to begin by saying that staff are to be commended for the report on the Code of Conduct presented to Council on August 3. The staff proposal was thoughtful and well-reasoned, with robust rules for the conduct and the handling of complaints. It also provided for a cost-effective and independent third party whose […]
September Newsletter
“The Official Community Plan Update” September 16, 2023 In this newsletter, I want to summarise discussions about the “redo” of Victoria’s Official Community Plan (OCP). As mentioned in my August Newsletter, public input to the current 10-year OCP Update has been significantly reduced – and I find this troublesome. (Relevant documents and […]
August Newsletter
“Where have all the Voices gone?” August 14, 2023 Today, I want to discuss something that has troubled me over my time in City politics. As you know, I have been opposed to many decisions made by this Council, but I have become increasingly concerned with the way a majority of Councillors peremptorily […]
VicPD Calls Data
Marg Gardiner’s CFAX 1070 interview with Adam Stirling on 9th August 2023VicPD call data released to the public on 8th August 2023
To fix what ails the city, we need to change course
Marg Gardiner’s Op-ed from the 29th July 2023 Times Colonist I have watched the steady deterioration of the quality of life in parts of our city and the intractability of this problem. Like city councils everywhere, Victoria council is grappling with the problem of homelessness. The failure to support the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens […]
Sheltering and Beacon Hill Park
Note: sadly, as of last week of June, tents were seen in the Park, near Douglas. Thank you to those who fought for Beacon Hill Park (script formed basis of my comments at Council when Beacon Hill Park designated for no sheltering, June 2023) On June 15, 2023, City of Victoria Council forwarded staff recommendations […]