municipal politics

VIRL executive says overspending and under-budgeting over the last decade has led to some financial problems at the organization. (Citizen file photo)

Bad fiscal management partly blamed for ballooned budget at VIRL

North Cowichan’s contribution to library jumps to more than $2.1 million in 2024

 

A new municipal flag design for Tofino done by two Grade 9 students from Salmon Arm. (Image from DoT council Agenda

Salmon Arm students pitch new municipal flag for Tofino

Tofino’s current municipal flag was designed by artist Roy Henry Vickers

 

The proposed new location for the "World's Largest Burl" in Port McNeill. (Derek Koel photo)

‘World’s Largest Burl’ on the move in Port McNeill

$50,000 grant will help community to display the landmark at a new location

  • Oct 24, 2023

 

The Campell River Art Gallery. Photo by Alistair Taylor/Campbell River Mirror

Campbell River backs away from pulling art gallery tax support

Gallery’s taxes will be ‘covered’ in return for development of a positive relationship

  • Oct 13, 2023
The Campell River Art Gallery. Photo by Alistair Taylor/Campbell River Mirror
The Campell River Art Gallery. Photo by Alistair Taylor/Campbell River Mirror

Minister slams council ‘attack’ on art gallery, overdose prevention site

‘Not the way to go about it’ – Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon

The Campell River Art Gallery. Photo by Alistair Taylor/Campbell River Mirror
Tofino is making significant strides towards its goal of treating raw sewage by late-2024. (District of Tofino photos)

Tofino receives sewage treatment funding

District remains on track to stop pumping raw sewage into ocean by end of 2024

Tofino is making significant strides towards its goal of treating raw sewage by late-2024. (District of Tofino photos)
Premier David Eby confirmed that the province is working on province-wide legislation that would support municipalities looking into banning drug use in public parks. (Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito)

Law helping B.C. municipalities control drug use in parks coming soon: Eby

Legislation expected to be tabled in the fall, says premier

Premier David Eby confirmed that the province is working on province-wide legislation that would support municipalities looking into banning drug use in public parks. (Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito)
North Cowichan Coun. Tek Manhas. (Citizen file)

Language in North Cowichan’s new gender-neutral policy raises concerns

Policy intended mainly to avoid bias towards a particular sex or social gender

North Cowichan Coun. Tek Manhas. (Citizen file)
The District of Tofino has changed course and is now expected to combine its beach and downtown pay parking programs to allow residents to park for free. (Westerly file photo)

Tofino shifts gears on downtown pay parking to free residents from fees

Other ACRD residents, including those in Ucluelet, Macoah and Hitacu, will still be charged

The District of Tofino has changed course and is now expected to combine its beach and downtown pay parking programs to allow residents to park for free. (Westerly file photo)
The Supreme Court of B.C. has ruled that North Cowichan Councillor Bruce Findlay and GPI Developments must pay damages to a strata corporation in Ladysmith for misrepresenting the work they said they would do at the site. Findlay is appealing the decision. (Black Press file)

Island developer-turned-councillor ordered to pay $171,000 to Ladysmith strata

Supreme court rules North Cowichan councillor Bruce Findlay, company didn’t complete work

The Supreme Court of B.C. has ruled that North Cowichan Councillor Bruce Findlay and GPI Developments must pay damages to a strata corporation in Ladysmith for misrepresenting the work they said they would do at the site. Findlay is appealing the decision. (Black Press file)
Tofino’s pay parking program is migrating from beaches to downtown. (Westerly file photo)

Parking fees headed to downtown Tofino

Downtown pay parking program expected to be in effect by May 20

Tofino’s pay parking program is migrating from beaches to downtown. (Westerly file photo)
Port Hardy's indoor swimming pool has been under construction since July of 2021. (District of Port Hardy Facebook photo)

New liner finally arrives for Port Hardy’s dormant indoor swimming pool

Mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt said her fingers are crossed that the pool will be reopening by the summer

Port Hardy's indoor swimming pool has been under construction since July of 2021. (District of Port Hardy Facebook photo)
Campbell River City Hall. Campbell River Mirror photo

Campbell River city council settles on a 9.97 per cent tax increase for 2023

‘Out-of-parameter’ increase triple the 2022 rate

Campbell River City Hall. Campbell River Mirror photo
B.C. Premier David Eby signaled that the province won’t directly help out municipalities facing high property tax hikes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. Premier David Eby signals no help for municipalities pondering large property tax hikes

UBCM, province are currently reviewing municipal financing system

B.C. Premier David Eby signaled that the province won’t directly help out municipalities facing high property tax hikes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Dr. Charmaine Enns, the North Island medical health officer, recently sent a letter to Campbel River city council urging them to hold off on a illegal drug consumption bylaw. (Black Press file photo)

Health officer pushes back as Campbell River tries to step around decriminalization

City urged to wait six months, ‘seek sound advice’ before forging ahead with drug use ban bylaw

Dr. Charmaine Enns, the North Island medical health officer, recently sent a letter to Campbel River city council urging them to hold off on a illegal drug consumption bylaw. (Black Press file photo)
(Black Press Media file photo)

West Coast officials scramble for solutions after losing bus service

Wilson’s Transportation has cancelled its Tofino Bus service in and out of the West Coast until May

(Black Press Media file photo)
(District of Tofino image)

Estimated cost of Tofino recreation facility doubles

Tofino’s pursuit of an indoor recreation facility is being outpaced by skyrocketing construction costs

(District of Tofino image)
Ucluelet senior Katharine Fleming’s SUV was one of 35 vehicles that West Coast black bears broke into this year. (Andrew Bailey photo)

Bears broke into 35 vehicles in Tofino-Ucluelet this year

Eight bears were killed after becoming food-conditioned past the point of no return

Ucluelet senior Katharine Fleming’s SUV was one of 35 vehicles that West Coast black bears broke into this year. (Andrew Bailey photo)
Residents and supporters of Tofino’s Crab Apple Campground gathered at the Village Green in April, 2021, to draw attention to their concerns over losing their homes. (Andrew Bailey photo)
Residents and supporters of Tofino’s Crab Apple Campground gathered at the Village Green in April, 2021, to draw attention to their concerns over losing their homes. (Andrew Bailey photo)
Montreal mayor Valerie Plante delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of the COP15 UN conference on biodiversity in Montreal on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Big cities have a major role to play in protecting biodiversity, experts say

Increasing native plants and animals and decreasing contaminants, among actions cities can take

Montreal mayor Valerie Plante delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of the COP15 UN conference on biodiversity in Montreal on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson