Public meetings planned for Saanich governance review

April 4, 2017

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release  

 

Saanich, BC – Public engagement on the Saanich Governance Review is in full swing until the end of May, and the latest component, a set of four public meetings, will launch beginning April 12.

The Governance Review Citizen Advisory Committee (GRCAC) is spearheading the independent review, which will focus on the governance structure and policies within Saanich and its partnerships within the region.  A report back to Council is planned for this fall. 

Citizens have an opportunity over the next few months to provide their ideas, priorities, and recommendations on enhancing local governance.  Online consultation kicked off March 1 and is open to May 31, 2017.  It includes a survey, discussion forums, and polls.  The Committee is now gearing up for public meetings in April and May.  

The first two meetings, on April 12 and April 22, are workshops where people can dig deeper into some key issues and have dialogue with fellow citizens.  Registration for the workshops is encouraged, but not mandatory. As well, town halls on May 17 and May 27 are an opportunity to address the Committee and provide their thoughts that way.  Registration is not needed for the town halls.

“Extensive community consultation is a key aspect of the review,” said GRCAC Chair John Schmuck. “We would love to see a big turnout for these sessions.  There are lots of good ideas out there and we know our work will benefit from broad and diverse input.  We hope people will take some time to check out our website to find out more and make a plan to attend.  There is still time to take the survey as well.” 

“Council is looking forward to the results of the review, and is counting on hearing from a large number of citizens across the community regarding enhancements to our governance,” said Mayor Richard Atwell. 

Background

Public engagement was launched February 9, 2017 by Mayor Richard Atwell and GRCAC Chair John Schmuck. 

The GRCAC mandate is to consult broadly with the community to obtain a diversity of feedback, with goals of:

  • enhancing awareness and knowledge of governance matters and how they relate to citizens and service delivery, and
  • encouraging participation in the engagement process. 

There are materials on the GRCAC website to help the public understand governance and how the committee is approaching this review. 

The committee is engaging the public on topics such as:

  • Decision-making processes
  • Citizen engagement  
  • Accountability, transparency and access to information and decision makers
  • Authority
  • Continuous improvement
  • The District‘s relationships with local municipalities and the Capital Regional District 
Get Involved – consultation opportunities are available up to May 31

Consultations have been designed to be as inclusive and flexible as possible, and include:

  • Coffee chats, focus groups & community meetings
  • Comments can be sent to saanichgovernancereview@shaw.ca
  • Online consultation – survey, polls, discussion forum
  • Four public meetings – workshops:  April 12 and 22; town halls: May 17 and 27. 

Details on all of these opportunities, including how to register for a workshop, are available at: saanich.ca/governancereview

Learn More

For more information on the Saanich Governance Review, the Committee, or how to get involved:

 

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Media Contact 

John Schmuck
Chair, Governance Review Citizen Advisory Committee
250-384-5190
johnschmuck@shaw.ca