Despite achieving first three readings in September 2024, the plan to embark on a regional transportation service navigated some speed bumps at the Capital Regional District board meeting.
Faced with sending the proposed service to alternative approval process (AAP), several directors opposed the process, and the service itself.
The new bylaw to establish a new regional transportation service to address an array of transportation needs within the CRD passed third reading in September 2024, and is set to head for the AAP process after passing at the March 12 board meeting.
Directors Sid Tobias (View Royal), Peter Jones (North Saanich), Al Wickheim (Juan de Fuca), Gary Holman (Salt Spring Island) and Doug Kobayashi (Colwood) opposed the motion to send the bylaw to AAP.
A primary concern for communities outside the core is paying for a service they don’t see a direct value in.
“We are a unique situation, not just because we’re an island … we have our own transit service,” Holman said, noting the community specifically created the service because it didn’t want to be in a regional service with this level of taxation and seeing “little to no benefit.”
The world has also changed since the process started, Tobias noted, balking at the $20M price tag, even from View Royal – a “nexus of transportation” for the core, western communities and up Island.
“Is this the right time to do it?” he asked, noting there are no tangible takeaways from the proposed service.
“It’s like a value meal where you get a Big Mac with no meat in it. … I don’t see what $20 million is getting us in this service.”
The service would be responsible for development of transportation policies, plans, programs, projects, and studies, including but not limited to public transit, active transportation, mobility hubs, transportation demand management, and road and trail safety. A maximum of $20 million could be requisitioned annually.
Others voiced concern over the AAP process, where electors who don’t want the service must voice their opposition by submitting a completed elector response form to the CRD. In order to fail, it would require 10 per cent of the population, or 33,127 residents, to oppose using the official form. Forms will be available April 3 when the first official notice is posted. The deadline to receive elector responses is May 16.
“It’s been used here to circumvent communication,” Jones said, referencing the most recent AAP initiative to establish a food lands service. That spurred last minute negative responses from several Peninsula farmers.
Director Jeremy Caradonna (Victoria) who made the motion to send the bylaw to AAP, noted it’s just that, but also voiced support for the service.
A copy of the complete bylaw can be viewed at the CRD offices, 625 Fisgard St., weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or online at crd.ca/transportation-aap.
The CRD hosts an online information session about the proposed regional transportation service April 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. This session provides an opportunity to learn about the CRD’s role in transportation and the proposed bylaw and service. The session will also include an overview of the service establishment process, funding, and next steps. Register online at us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4TBRUvpwS3KHEI5v1VD_jw.
The information session will also be recorded and posted online at www.crd.ca/transportation.
