The Victoria-Saanich Citizens’ Assembly (VSCA) on Municipal Amalgamation is preparing to convene its first meeting on September 21, 2024. Read about the 48 randomly selected residents of Saanich and Victoria who represent all residents of these municipalities on this important and historic civic body, which will help shape the future of our region.
The Assembly is tasked with exploring the costs, benefits and disadvantages of amalgamation between the two municipalities, and issuing a report to their Councils. It is an independent process commissioned by the elected councils of Victoria and Saanich, and funded by the municipalities and the Province of British Columbia. The Assembly’s final report (June 2025) will include recommendations on whether and under what conditions amalgamation should take place and may include suggestions related to service integration.
Much like a jury or task force, the deliberations of a Citizens’ Assembly are generally confidential and closed to the public. However, there are several ways for members of the public to get involved:
- make a Public Submission to the Assembly: provide your perspective on the question of amalgamation or raise an issue you would like the Assembly to consider.
- register for one of the Public Meetings (Nov 20 and 21): learn more about the Assembly’s process and the work of local government, provide your perspective on the issues and learn what your fellow residents think.
- sign up for Assembly Updates: receive copies of the presentations, reports, meeting summaries and other resources so you can follow the Assembly’s work.
Learn more at victoriasaanich.ca.
MASS LBP is running the Victoria Saanich Citizens’ Assembly at arms-length from both municipalities to safeguard the independence of the process. All comments and questions related to the Victoria-Saanich Citizens’ Assembly should be directed to info@victoriasaanich.ca or via phone at 1-833-319-1901.
Background
In 2018, the municipalities of Saanich and Victoria adopted an innovative and transparent public process to explore the costs, benefits and disadvantages of the amalgamation between the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria. The Citizens’ Assembly process is expected to be a deliberative one, providing the residents of Saanich and Victoria with the opportunity to directly and actively participate.
The Assembly is expected to be an impartial advisory body that is tasked with representing the residents of Saanich and Victoria in investigating the costs, benefits and disadvantages of the amalgamation between the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria. In doing so, the Assembly will exemplify the highest standards of transparency, accountability and engagement in delivering their report findings to the respective municipal councils.
In March 2022, the provincial minister of municipal affairs and mayors of both municipalities released a joint statement about moving forward with the citizens’ assembly, due to large gatherings being possible again.
Each party agreed to contribute $250,000 for a total of $750,000 toward the cost of a citizens’ assembly and to explore the possible outcomes, costs, benefits and disadvantages of amalgamation so that residents have a more complete understanding of what amalgamation may involve.
The process will help ensure that people have an opportunity to provide input in an open forum and that a subsequent decision is well-informed and evidence-based.
Terms of Reference
The Committee's Terms of Reference was approved by Victoria City Council on March 3, 2021 and Saanich Council on January 29, 2020.
Victoria's Citizens' Assembly Council Committee is comprised of:
- Mayor Marianne Alto
- Councillor Chris Coleman
- Councillor Susan Kim