Rockland Neighbourhood Association: ELECTION NOVEMBER 2011
Questions about Zoning, Neighbourhood Associations, Taxes and More posed to the Candidates for Mayor and Councillors
Replies from the Candidates November 12, 2011:
For Mayor
Paul Brown, Mayoralty Candidate
1. In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighboring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation. (Bylaw, 2004, #181) Where do you stand on this issue?
Frankly I had not heard much on this issue before you raised it. Perhaps if you could provide details I could respond to it at the joint Fairfield-Rockland all-candidates meeting being planned for Sunday Nov 13.
In both Rockland and VicWest, where there are steeply sloping lots, the City needs to define the base-line in ways that allow for height. Do you measure from the high-point, the low-point, or some average drawn through the middle? When I last knew of the issue, there wasn’t a clear and unambiguous definition that anyone could follow, so staff “interpretation” governed, and there was no appeal.
2. Would you support the creation of a neighborhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
My action plan for Victoria includes a pledge to have all existing Local Area Plans updated and respected at City Hall. If there are heritage values in Rockland that aren’t addressed in the current Heritage Bylaw, this would be a good opportunity to rectify the situation.
3. Would you support allowing individual neighborhoods to opt out of the city-wide initiatives regarding densification?
Affordability is probably the greatest single threat to Victoria’s way of life. I believe Victoria is one city and all residents have a stake in ensuring that it continues to be a sustainable and affordable place to live. One way to achieve that goal is to build diversity into the residential and commercial mix of each neighbourhood. Promoting local markets and ‘village’ style commercial development—Cook St. Village is a good example—are one element of this approach. But with very limited space to grow, so is controlled and well-designed densification, which helps to keep the city affordable for families, seniors, students and others on limited income.
Finally, all of the neighbourhoods should be involved in establishing appropriate density and diversity targets, and in selecting the most appropriate option(s) to achieve them.
4. Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
My platform is based on financial prudence. Based on the limited information that is provided by the City for public review, I believe the City’s financial position is extremely poor.
I would like nothing more than to limit tax increases to the rate of inflation or less, however until a full independent review of the City’s finances and financial position is complete I am unwilling to commit with any assurance.
5. What are the qualifications that you would bring to council?
I am a partner in a Victoria based company that has been providing financial, procurement, risk and performance governance to provincial, state and territorial governments across the Pacific Northwest for almost a quarter century. I have lived in the City of Victoria since 1988.
I belong to no political party. My decisions will be based on the issues and needs of our City, not political affiliation or dogma.
I am director of the Victoria Chapter of the Financial Management Institute of Canada, a national association of financial managers from the public sector committed to the economic, effective and efficient management of public funds.
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Steve Filipove, Mayoralty Candidate
1. In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighboring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation. (Bylaw, 2004, #181) Where do you stand on this issue?
I would agree that grade manipulation is pushing things too far. I would support a by-law prohibiting the practice. Height restrictions have been put in place for a reason; loopholes that allow developers to work around by-laws should be closed.
2. Would you support the creation of a neighbourhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
I believe that we should be funding neighbourhood associations at a higher level and charge them with communicating with the residents in their area with the intent to stimulate a participatory environment. The issues that gain wide support should then be brought in to City Hall and we would do our best to facilitate the requested changes. This is real participatory democracy and is what I hope to facilitate at City Hall.
3. Would you support allowing individual neighborhoods to opt out of the city-wide initiatives regarding densification?
No, if the city deems that change is necessary then all neighbourhoods would have to comply. That said it should be the residents in your neighbourhood that get to decide how the changes will occur. Densification is something that we really need to do in order to create a more sustainable society. We cannot expect other neighbourhoods to shoulder more than their fair share of the necessary changes that we will have to implement.
4. Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
I think that once we replace the present city council and elect truly independent voices at city hall that most of our over spending will disappear. It is much cheaper to deal with the real problems we have at the root and finally solve them. It will be much cheaper to have the deals the City makes on the table instead of behind close doors. We can challenge most if not all of the large capital expenditures with common sense and creative solutions. $43 Million for a new fire hall because the facade might fall in an earth quake is ridiculous. $58 Million to replace Crystal Pool? The reports says the building was only designed for a 20 year life? Concrete and steel buildings can last 100yrs easy. Our city is using fear and bad PR to scare people into spending huge sums of Money. It is time to stand up to the bullies and create change.
5. What are the qualifications that you would bring to council?
I bring an independent voice, common sense and great judgement with no strings attached. I will facilitate an open and accountable conversation about our options. I will supply relevant information in a timely manner and encourage debate. I will provide freedom of information and encourage the public to influence our public office at City Hall. I believe in our democracy let's get it working for the people of Victoria. Share your enthusiasm for our democracy by electing Steve Filipovic, Ben Isitt, Rose Henry, Lisa Helps, Shellie Gudgeon, John Turner, Linda McGrew, Philippe Lucas, and Geoff Young. This council is well balanced and full of experience and enthusiasm. Share it out confidently. Thank you.
Dean Fortin, Mayoralty Candidate
1. In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighboring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation. (Bylaw, 2004, #181). Where do you stand on this issue?
I agree this is an issue. Recent amendments to the City’s zoning by-laws have begun to address concerns of the size, form and character of new construction. Issues of grade manipulation also need to be addressed to ensure that projects meet the expectation of the community so to limit negative impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood.
2. Would you support the creation of a neighborhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
Each of our many neighbourhoods is unique and special and we have a responsibility to ensure that growth in each of our neighbourhoods reflects the community vision. This is why neighbourhood plans are important because they guide growth and ensure our neighbourhoods keep their identity and charm.
There are a few tools available to explore when discussing preserving the heritage and character of a neighbourhood including Development Permit Areas or even ensuring that the Heritage Registry is up to date.
3. Would you support allowing individual neighborhoods to opt out of the citywide initiatives regarding densification?
Housing is a key issue in our community and increased housing options are a key part of densification. We all have a responsibility to ensure that people have access to safe and affordable housing. Each neighbourhood must play its part.
That said, it is important that each neighbourhood have a say in how that takes shape – there is no one size fits all solution. That is why, for example, our garden suites policy makes sure Council considers each application. For densification to be successful it must embrace and complement to character of a neighbourhood.
4. Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
I am not comfortable with the idea of limiting tax increases but I am committed to the keeping taxes low. It is always a balance between ensuring our city remains an affordable place to live and work as well as providing those key services and programs that our residents rely on.
I believe the budget process is very important and I think more people need to be engaged in that process. Last year, I started a series of budget outreach sessions in an effort to have more members of our community providing insight and feedback. I think this is vital and remain committed to increasing the outreach the city does around our annual budget.
As council we need to make sure our budget reflects the priorities of our residents.
5. What are the qualifications that you would bring to council?
I have had the great honour to be the Mayor of Victoria for the last three years. I believe we have accomplished so much in that time and I want to build on that momentum and continue to support a vibrant, welcoming and sustainable city.
From housing and homelessness, alternative transportation and economic development – I, along with a great team of councilors, have been diligently working on the priorities set by our residents. We have made great strides in many keys areas, proving our ability to work with residents, identify challenges and make decisions on important projects. I am prepared to tackle the tough challenges ahead in a way that balances the financial and social needs of residents.
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For Council
Chris Coleman, Candidate for Councillor
1) In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighbouring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation (Bylaw, 2004, #181) Where do you stand on this issue?
The manipulation of elevations is an area of concern in a number of neighbourhoods of Victoria, not just in Rockland. I am quite prepared to look at the bylaws of Langford (or any other municipal jurisdiction) to close that type of manipulation/interpretation.
2) Would you support the creation of a neighbourhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
I am willing to look at the notion but I am not sure it gives the preservation that is implied by the question. I would rather find the appropriate incentives to have greater numbers of Heritage Designation applications.
3) Would you support allowing individual neighbourhoods to opt out of the city-wide initiatives regarding densification?
No. I do not think that neighbourhoods should be allowed such an "opt out" option.
I do think, however, that such provisions should be contextual to a neighbourhood so that what may be acceptable in one neighbourhood will not necessarily be seen in another. I also believe that the density that the City is seeking will not be equally apportioned throughout every neighbourhood; the majority of residential growth, in fact, will be seen in the Downtown core.
4) Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
I think the problem is that Council has traditionally really focused on the annual tax issue and paid much less attention to the 5 year budgetary projections. I have long believed that Council should be setting a 5 year cap on the cumulative tax increase and then allow staff to manage the annual tax impacts within that 5 year cap.
As an example, over the last 5 years the lift in the City's tax rate has been about 23.5%. I believe that it would be prudent to set a 5 year tax cap in the order of 17.5% but allow for annual variations to occur (as long as the cap is not broken)
5) What are the qualifications that you would bring to Council?
For a full picture of my background please refer to my website at www.chriscoleman.ca
The skills that I bring to the Council table are the same ones I use in my work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities National Board and with the various neighbourhood associations with whom I have worked:
- an aptitude for meeting with people & listening to their problems;
- an ability to weigh various (often competing) perspectives; and
- a desire to find solutions that make our community better and safer
..... for everyone.
Shellie Gudgeon, Candidate for Councillor
1. In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighboring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation. (Bylaw, 2004, #181) Where do you stand on this issue?
Manipulation by developers of any kind should not be tolerated.
From my experience in community associations, citizens have to do a great deal of work monitoring developments in their neighbourhood that should be the job of city staff.
If elected to City Council, I will look at Langford’s bylaw 2004 #181 to see how Victoria could address the problem of manipulation of the elevation of lots.
2. Would you support the creation of a neighborhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
As someone who lives in a heritage home in Victoria West, I am very interested in city-wide heritage values.
3. Would you support allowing individual neighborhoods to opt out of the city- wide initiatives regarding densification?
I am hearing from residents that densification is a concern in all of the neighbourhoods in Victoria. I believe that strong neighbourhoods build strong cities. Therefore, Victoria City Council needs to listen to these concerns.
4. Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
Yes. I believe that the critical issue facing the taxpayer in Victoria is value for money. Our local government is growing at too rapid of a rate. It is very important that our tax dollars are well spent. Cost saving measures that do not interfere with quality of service delivery need to be explored and examined.
5. What are the qualifications that you would bring to council?
I am running for City Council because I will be a strong, experienced voice for neighbourhoods and local businesses. I believe in giving back to my community as an individual and as a local business owner. I currently own and operate two businesses in the city, Il Terrazzo Ristorante and Fifth Street Bar and Grill, so I understand the challenges facing small business, especially in the current economic environment.
I am also an advocate for neighbourhoods and a community builder. My commitment began with Vic West Community Association where I spent 8 years fighting to retain the mixed-use character of the area. I also belong to a group that meets bi-monthly with City of Victoria workers at Banfield Park to remove invasive species of plant life from the park.
For more than 13 years, I have been involved with the Quadra Revitalization Project where I have worked with residents, other business owners and the City of Victoria to create the now thriving Quadra Village and the immensely popular Quadra Village Day.
More recently, I have turned my efforts towards the re-emergence of Lower Johnson Street as a vital retail and residential centre and have worked with the community to increase the profile and safety of the area.
As a concerned citizen, I regularly attend public meetings involving city concerns such as sewage treatment, protection of our waterways, waste disposal, our transportation system and many other issues and problems that are facing our neighbourhoods and communities.
As a member of City Council, I will continue my commitment to serving Victoria, being accessible to its citizens, and accountable for my decisions.
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Lynn Hunter, Candidate for Councillor
1. In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighboring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation. (Bylaw, 2004, #181) Where do you stand on this issue?
In response to what has occurred in Rockland I have met with the City Manager and Senior Planning Department staff and asked for an assessment of what can be done on this issue to prevent future incidents of the sort we have seen. I am disturbed by what has occurred in Rockland.
2. Would you support the creation of a neighborhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
I understand and sympathize with the situation that allows a super modern looking house to be constructed on a street of beautiful older homes. The street scape suffers in such a situation. There are limitations under the Community Charter on what we can do. I would have to seriously consider whether this situation would be solved by the creation of a neighbourhood wide development permit area. I would like a broader discussion before committing to such a policy.
3. Would you support allowing individual neighborhoods to opt out of the city-wide initiatives regarding densification?
The history of Rockland is a history of densification – first with suites permitted in the larger homes and then with some of these homes being changed into strata units. These changes have honoured the character of this beautiful neighbourhood. I am not in favour of an op out provision but I am in favour of a discussion of how densification can be done and maintain the character of Rockland.
4. Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
I consider budget issues very carefully and can say that tax increases are very thoroughly debated. I understand full well that there are many citizens who are property rich but income poor. As a resident of the City myself I am personally affected. However, I am not prepared to say I would limit annual tax increases without seeing the options. The budget consultations undertaken last year with citizens throughout the city is something I would like to see continued. In this way, citizens contribute to the tough decision making process necessary to determine our annual budget.
5. What are the qualifications that you would bring to council?
I have a long history of public service and I think one of my key attributes is the ability to listen carefully to people’s concerns. As an elected representative I see it as my job to attempt to address those concerns.
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Robert Kimpton, Candidate for Councillor
1. I would not allow the manipulation of elevations except possibly where there are siting issues with the project.
2. Yes
3. I am going to side step this for the moment and tell you more comprehensively my ideas regarding a neighbourhood like Rockland. Rockland is a high end neighbourhood consisting of the most part of old character homes. It is of the utmost importance that these older character homes be retained. However, except for those of the highest income levels, these homes in today's day and age can be impractical. As a result, I would support developments which allow for some degree of densification while paying heed to the utmost detail in character. These developments allow for some degree of tasteful densification.
4. No. The current financial situation in the City is critical. We are in a recession and receipts are down. There are large expenses for the City ahead such as the Blue Bridge, Crystal Pool and the Fire Hall.
5. Contentious issue oriented LEADERSHIP in addition to a BA and MA in economics and LLB as well as property ownership in Victoria.
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Phillippe Lucas, Candidate for Councillor
1. In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighboring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation. (Bylaw, 2004, #181) Where do you stand on this issue?
I would definitely support such a bylaw, and would hope to one put forward in 2012 in order to avoid the development issues the Rockland neighbourhood was faced with this year.
2. Would you support the creation of a neighborhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
I am a strong believer in preserving our heritage but believe that there are many unique neighbourhoods in Victoria and that Development Permit areas may not be the best way to protect the livability and character of a neighbourhood. I believe that, if the city worked with residents and community associations to update and support neighbourhood plans, this would allow neighbourhoods to have more say in the fate of their communities.
3. Would you support allowing individual neighborhoods to opt out of the city-wide initiatives regarding densification?
I believe that all neighbourhoods will have to absorb some densification, but that can range from infill housing, to basement or garden suites, to duplexing. However, some neighbourhoods will be better suited for densification than others due to proximity to public transportation and land availability, such as those along the Douglas St. corridor
4. Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
I was the only city councillor to vote against this year’s 7% tax increase, and would do so again next year. As a home-owner, parent and the owner of a small downtown business, I simply feel that our businesses do better when our residents have more money in their pockets. I believe that council should aim to keep tax increases in line with inflation.
5. What are the qualifications that you would bring to council?
I work hard to make pragmatic, well-informed decisions and represent a progressive voice on city council and the CRD.
Relevant Education and Work Experience
I have a Masters’ in Studies and Policies and Practice at UVic and am currently a drugs and addictions research affiliate with the Center for Addictions Research of BC. Additionally, I am a former school teacher and am currently the co-owner of Hip Baby Victoria (560 Johnson), so I am a small business owner who is working towards making Victoria more age and family-friendly.
Political experience
I'm currently a City Councillor and CRD Director. My responsibilities include: Chair of the City of Victoria Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Community Development Committee, Council Liaison to City of Victoria Youth Council, Council Liaison to Quadra/Hillside and North Park, Trustee on the Greater Victoria Cemetery Board, CRD Board, Hospital Board, Vice-President of the CRD Housing Corporation; CRD Environmental Sustainability Committee; Core Area Liquid Waste Committee & Solid Waste Advisory Committee. My previous experience includes being a member of the Student Teacher Advisory Committee and the Secondary Program Council while studying to be a secondary teacher at the UVic.
Community involvement
I have a long history of community involvement, largely focused on homelessness, harm reduction and food security. I’m currently on the Board of the Vancouver Island School of Art and the Vancouver Island Compassion Society, on the Advisory Board of the Center for Addictions Research of BC, the, and the Chair of the Victoria Downtown Public Market Society, a non-profit working to bring a public market back to our downtown core. Additionally, I am the coordinator of the Eat Here Now Harvest Festival, which drew over 10,000 residents in support of local food and farmers to Centennial Square last September.
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Pamela Madoff, Candidate for Councillor
1. In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighboring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation. (Bylaw, 2004, #181). Where do you stand on this issue?
Recent amendments to the City of Victoria’s Zoning By-Laws have begun to address concerns from both the Rockland and Fairfield neighbourhoods in terms of the size, form and character of some new construction. The next piece of work in further amending the by-laws will look to what controls can be put in place specific to soils disposition and grade manipulation. I am particularly concerned about how average grade is calculated when existing grade has been significantly altered.
Additionally, I am very concerned about the impact on the character-defining elements of a neighbourhood when the natural topography is dramatically altered.
2. Would you support the creation of a neighborhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
The creation of Development Permit Areas and Heritage Conservation Areas are very useful tools in preserving the heritage and character of a neighbourhood. Design guidelines may also play an important role in responding to the character-defining elements of a neighbourhood.
In addition, updating the heritage registry could also be an important element of a comprehensive approach.
I would like to see these mechanisms used as effectively as possible, recognizing that there are constraints under the Community Charter. Identifying a menu of legislative options could work well when dealing with community-wide opportunities.
3. Would you support allowing individual neighborhoods to opt out of the city-wide initiatives regarding densification?
Over the years the Rockland neighbourhood has densified in a variety of ways. Post W.W. II saw many of the large homes divided into suites. With the advent of the 1970’s we began to see large home divided into strata units.
I believe that, for densification to be successful, it must build on the character of each neighbourhood. As a result, I do not support an “opt-out” option but I do believe in neighbourhood based initiatives.
4. Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
In electing an individual to a position of City Council it is important to understand the principles that they bring to decision making. A realistic and pragmatic approach to spending is of critical importance, as is understanding an individual’s capacity in terms of tax increases. I am very aware that many Victorians are ‘property rich’ and ‘cash poor’ and that this is a fact that must be taken into consideration when the budget is under review. In my experience tax increases are already limited by an understanding of the public’s desire for services vs the ability to pay.
5. What are the qualifications that you would bring to council?
I am currently completing my 6th term on City Council. I think of myself as an engaged resident vs a politician. I come from a background of community activism and have been very involved with the preservation and rehabilitation of Victoria’s heritage buildings. I believe in building on the strengths of our beautiful city and identifying solutions that are right for Victoria.
During my tenure on Council, I have been the liaison to most city neighbourhoods and welcome community engagement. I have held the portfolios of Planning, Heritage, Advisory Design and Arts and Culture. I am currently a member of the Board of the Greater Victoria Public Library and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
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John C. Turner, Candidate for Councillor
1. In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighboring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation. (Bylaw, 2004, #181) Where do you stand on this issue?
I am opposed to the manipulation of lots. Especially by (those) developers who will not be living there to experience the consequences of soil errosion, blocked views, the effect of sound reverberations and the other consequences that would be experienced by a neighbourhood that is not designed for elevation variances.
2. Would you support the creation of a neighborhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
Absolutely, depending on the particulars
3. Would you support allowing individual neighborhoods to opt out of the city-wide initiatives regarding densification?
4. Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
Yes---through the complex implementation of an alternative and complimentary "community economy" as has been developed in several regions in the world.
5. What are the qualifications that you would bring to council?
16 years as street counsellor and community support worker and founder of Gap Communities and Ministries Foundations (international humanitarian and human interest non-profit).
14 years as international socio-economic researcher and advisor, Founder and Executive Director of Esquimalt Harbour Seabus LTD. and
The Vancouver Island Light Rail Company ULTD.---seeking to build an alternative, community based transportation system that will enable the development of an alternative community economy, large scale community entrepreneurialism and a community commerce infrastructure).
Geoff Young, Candidate for Councillor
In the Rockland area there is concern about the manipulation of the elevation of lots by developers and the impacts on neighbouring lots. Langford has a bylaw prohibiting grade manipulation. (Bylaw, 2004, #181) Where do you stand on this issue?
I am strongly opposed to allowing the type of unregulated grade manipulation we have seen. I have written about this in the Rockland newsletter and have raised the issue with City staff. In general grade manipulation should be subject to zoning requirements, and until we put controls or guidelines in place it should be prohibited.
Would you support the creation of a neighbourhood-wide Development Permit Area for Rockland in order to preserve its heritage values?
I would hesitate to attempt to control style. Sometimes houses depart from their traditional neighbours because of their modern style or because they are just not very well-designed. The City has not attempted to prescribe the style, colour or appearance of single family houses (although in some areas we do so for commercial or condominium buildings). While it may be tempting to think that we should do so, a little reflection suggests that requiring any prospective home owner who wants a house that is a little more modern than its neighbours or of a different style to enter into a debate with city bureaucrats or other appointed arbiters of good taste presents all kinds of problems. A house that is simply ugly will be difficult to sell, so they are rarely built.
On the other hand, sometimes modern houses also have unusual impacts in terms of height, width, volume or other impact and these issues should be controlled with appropriate zoning.
Would you support allowing individual neighbourhoods to opt out of the city-wide initiatives regarding densification?
At present, the major residential zones in the city prescribe the same standards for height, setbacks, parking etc. for all neighbourhoods (there are a few exceptions). Often zoning standards reflect lot sizes, of course - that is, on bigger lots rear setbacks might be bigger or houses might be allowed more floor area. However, zoning standards do not reflect the existing buildings in the neighbourhood or on the street. Thus they can sometimes represent a major departure from what exists. It is certainly worth asking whether zoning should be more reflective of individual neighbourhood standards so that new houses are similar in size and character to older ones.
For example, rooftop decks, parking in front of the front line of a house, minimum lot sizes, maximum heights etc. could all reasonably vary between neighbourhoods.
Would you be prepared to limit annual tax increases? What would you propose?
Keeping spending increases down should become a major priority of council.
Here are a few specific suggestions I have made:
Return council and mayor salaries to previous levels, plus inflation, and restore the tax-free allowance that effectively has taxpayers in the rest of Canada paying part of our salaries, as our taxpayers pay part of their officials’ salaries.
I voted to save probably in excess of three quarters of a million dollars (the exact figure has not been disclosed) by not applying a heritage designation to less than 10 feet of shelving in the interior of Rogers Chocolates.
Review desirability for the additional level of senior staff that has been added at City Hall between department heads and City manager (compared to our long-standing practice and compared to other municipalities of similar size). For example, a report outlining significant deficiencies in the seismic safety of the main fire hall took more than a year to make it from the department head level to city council.
Do not publish a City news flyer that is essentially a thinly-disguised election pamphlet for incumbent councillors and Mayor.
Eliminate the requirement for all media communications, no matter how specialized or trivial the issue, to be vetted through a “city spokesperson” in order to make sure “messaging” is “appropriate”.
I wanted to save many millions of dollars and, possibly the future of the E&N railway as a commuter route, by exploring more economical options for repairing and maintaining the safety of the Johnson Street Bridge. The current council elected not to examine such options, demanding that any repair meet such excessively high standards of post-disaster operability and durability that such repair was uneconomic. Applying such standards to heritage buildings would ensure none could economically be preserved.
What are the qualifications that you would bring to council?
I have lived in the City of Victoria for over 30 years. I live with my family in Fairfield and am a senior partner in Discovery Economic Consulting with offices in downtown Victoria. As a homeowner, parent and businesses owner, I have a wide understanding of the issues facing Victorians.
I am a professional economist. I have a master's degree and Ph. D in economics from Harvard University, having completed undergraduate studies at UBC. My early career was spent as an academic and a government economist working for the University of Alberta and the Alberta and British Columbia Governments. Please see my website at geoffyoung.ca for more on my City council experience.