Friday, April 10, 2009

Saanich Ignores fact that it is part of Greater Victoria

Sadly, we are able to ignore our obligations and stick it to our friends. On March 31, 2009 Saanich dropped a $107,000 contribution to the construction debt for the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Can it seriously be thought that we in Saanich do not benefit from the Arena? Can it seriously be thought that Saanich has their own facility and should not share in a region one? Of course not.

Saanich council also turned down a $50,000 request from Victoria to help pay for festivities around the Olympic torch's arrival in the Inner Harbour. They then reluctantly offered $10,000.00. Mayor Frank Leonard and Councillor Paul Gerrard suggested that to contributing any funds to the October event, which includes a concert on the legislature lawn, would be of no benefit to taxpayers.

Obviously, this is wrong. Should we do anything for the Olympic torch? I do not know. But I do know that if we are going to, it should be supported by all of us. Alternatively, we as a region should have said we will do nothing. But to piece meal this so some contribute and others do not is wrong. Why might different counsels even have to spent time considering this 13 different times? We need to amalgamate.

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