The mayor of View Royal, Sid Tobias, has criticized the B.C. government’s approach to policy implementation. He argues that a uniform strategy does not consider the unique needs of individual communities.
Concerns Over One-Size-Fits-All Policies
During a meeting on October 14, Tobias expressed his concerns regarding the provincial government’s recent decisions. He noted that relations between local leaders and the B.C. NDP have significantly deteriorated.
Fragility of Democracy
Tobias pointed out that democracy’s fragility is becoming increasingly apparent. He believes that the current cabinet has distanced itself from valuable input from local communities, which he sees as a potentially dangerous trend.
Critique of Housing Policies
A major focus of Tobias’s criticism is the NDP’s housing policy, particularly Bill 25. This legislation proposes changes to parking requirements for small-scale, multi-unit buildings.
- Tobias argued that this bill would effectively rezone View Royal, leading to increased parking issues on local streets.
- He expressed concern that such decisions are made without sufficient public consultation.
Transparency and Non-Disclosure Agreements
The mayor has raised alarm about the use of non-disclosure agreements in policy discussions. He believes this practice undermines transparency, stating that residents deserve to be informed about governmental decisions.
In response, B.C. Housing Minister Christine Boyle noted that such agreements sometimes facilitate more open discussions with local leaders. She emphasized the importance of gathering honest feedback to shape effective policies.
Calling for Community Engagement
With a population exceeding 11,000, Tobias encouraged View Royal residents to become more involved. He urged them not only to vote but also to consider running in the upcoming elections.
As he prepares not to seek re-election, Tobias hopes that more community members will step forward to represent local interests. This call for civic engagement reflects his desire for a more responsive and accountable government.
