View Royal Mayor Criticizes BC Government’s Uniform Strategy

In a recent meeting held on October 14, 2023, View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias expressed strong criticism of the BC government’s uniform strategy on housing policies. He emphasized that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective for local jurisdictions like View Royal, which is situated adjacent to Victoria.

Mayor’s Concerns About Government Policies

Tobias, who will not be seeking re-election, pointed out a troubling trend regarding the relationship between local municipalities and the BC NDP. He believes these ties have deteriorated to a historical low. “We are beginning to lose our grip on what real democracies are,” he stated during the meeting.

He emphasized that decision-making power has become concentrated among a select few individuals in the government. “They are claiming to know what is best,” he said.

Issues with Bill 25

One of the primary issues Tobias highlighted was the province’s recent housing policy, known as Bill 25. This legislation aims to change parking requirements for small-scale, multi-unit buildings, which Tobias labeled “troublesome.”

• Bill 25 rezones View Royal, potentially leading to increased parking congestion on local streets.
• Residents may experience traffic and parking difficulties due to this new policy.

He further criticized the government’s use of non-disclosure agreements, suggesting that it undermines transparency. “The public deserves to know that government decisions are made openly so we can examine them and learn,” he asserted.

Response from the BC Housing Minister

In response to these concerns, B.C. Housing Minister Christine Boyle stated that non-disclosure agreements are sometimes necessary. “We want to have frank discussions and receive honest feedback from local leaders on policies that can have significant commercial impacts,” she explained.

Call to Action for Residents

Tobias is urging View Royal residents to take more than just a passive role in the upcoming elections. With a population exceeding 11,000, he believes it is crucial for residents to actively participate in local governance.

“It is essential that the folks in View Royal step up and not only have a say, but also vote in the next election,” he urged.

The growing concerns among local leaders like Mayor Tobias highlight the increasing importance of community involvement in shaping effective policies that serve the specific needs of municipalities in British Columbia.