Council has reached the end of its first year in office. While this is the Mayor’s report, I want to make it clear from the outset that what has been achieved this year is the result of the hard work of Council. I wish to take this opportunity of thanking Council members for their support, talents and contributions during our first year.
In reflecting, I believe it is important to review the basis upon which I sought election and similarly, the election foundation for the majority of Council. Many residents will be aware of the lengthy Official Community Plan (OCP) review, which finished in May, 2007 with adoption of our present OCP. Many will also be aware of the efforts made to pursue a philosophical shift in the future of our municipality by some members of previous councils during that review. The strength of the visions in our present OCP is directly attributable to the concerted efforts of our residents and the majority of our present Council.
I believe that the basis for my strong showing in the last election is my dedication to the philosophy of our OCP and the continued desire of the majority of our Council and our residents to embrace that philosophy. The leadership I have brought to Council has been proactive, sensibly grounded in forward looking policies and continuously working toward collaborative resolution to divisions of opinion.
Much of the work done by Council over the past year has focused on internal governance of the municipality. With that focus I have:
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a. |
directed a complete review and update of all municipal policies and procedures, to ensure fairness, consistency and relevance; |
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b. |
completed changes to Council meeting procedures to simplify and improve opportunities for public participation, and restore the working role of Committee of the Whole; |
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c. |
with Council and staff inspiration and assistance, revamped the District Newsletter, making it available to every household by mail; |
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d. |
with Council support, continued to explore new options for enhanced communication with the public; for example, utilizing internet technology through out District website and email; |
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e. |
restored quarterly neighbourhood meetings for informal communication with municipal residents; |
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f. |
hosted, with Council, a volunteer recognition event at Municipal Hall. |
In spite of the time spent on these initiatives, Council has not become immersed in minutiae. We have spent considerable time addressing initiatives begun by the previous Council, and those required by legislation, concentrating efforts on ensuring adherence to the OCP and our role in the Regional Growth Strategy while doing so. These include:
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a. |
review and update of the Council Strategic Plan, with new priorities reflecting Mayor and Council’s community vision; |
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b. |
approving a pilot plan for secondary suites; |
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c. |
beginning meetings to consider the implementation of the Marine Task Force recommendations, to be completed in the early new year; |
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d. |
launched the North Saanich Agricultural Area Plan public consultation process with the report to Council expected in early 2010; |
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e. |
completed a contract with BC Ferries for sewer connection. |
I have been responsive to events over which Council had no direct control, making continued efforts to keep our community needs in the forefront and communicating with all involved parties in a proactive way. These events will continue to have a large impact on our local community. I have:
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a. |
called meetings with Victoria Airport Authority, provincial representatives and Sidney Council to address design and community issues for proposed McTavish Interchange, as soon as Council became aware of the application by the Victoria Airport Authority; |
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b. |
at Council’s initiative implemented a resolution to create a McTavish Road Interchange Committee to deal with community needs and concerns related to the project; |
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c. |
addressed closure of Dunsmuir Lodge by calling for a public meeting with the University of Victoria and for public disclosure on future plans for the property. A report on this matter will come to Council within the next few weeks. |
I have worked cooperatively with neighbouring communities:
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a. |
taking an active role in tri-municipal initiatives, establishing new working relationships with Mayors of Sidney and Central Saanich; |
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b. |
proactively pursuing a new Relationship Agreement with Pauquachin First Nation, with full Council support; |
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c. |
continuing the Tseycum Relationship Agreement begun by the last Council. |
We are moving forward with concerns of the present Council:
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a. |
to improve the prospects of local farming, recognizing its importance to the community economically and socially, and completing implementation of the Agricultural Area Plan; |
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b. |
working with staff in budget deliberations toward increased efficiencies; |
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c. |
a thorough review and update of the municipal bylaws to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of District legislation. |
In addition to the interests of our immediate community, I recognize the need for North Saanich to take a strong role in regional matters. The Capital Regional District exercises significant and wide ranging regional responsibilities on behalf of all the region’s municipalities. To that end, I have taken the CRD Director’s role for North Saanich. I have served as Chair of CRD Environment Committee, am a member of the Mayors’ Coalition on Homelessness, member of CRD Service Delivery Review committee, a member of CRD Millstream Remediation Cost Apportionment Sub-Committee, a member of CRD Planning and Transportation Committee, a member of CRD Finance and Protective Services Committee and am working to establish a CRD septic bylaw sub-committee. The CRD is in the midst of review of the Regional Growth Strategy, affecting every municipality in the region.
After this initial year, I remain convinced that strong leadership and forward planning, both for land use and fiscal stability, are essential to the health and balance of this community. I am grateful to my Council colleagues and our excellent municipal staff who have worked so hard this past year to support me. With this level of support, I am able as Mayor to continue my efforts, on behalf of this Council and my community, to achieve our goals.
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