The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) will be holding its 2022 convention in Whistler on September 12 -16. Local governments traditionally seek interviews with high level provincial officials. The interviews can be up to 15 minutes long and cover up to 3 topics. The SRD chose their topics at the Wednesday June 15 Board meeting.
Continue reading What to discuss with the Premier and Minister of Municipal AffairsA recent study suggests that incorrect reporting may be responsible for Southern Quadra Island, Tahsis, Gold River and Sayward not qualifying for funding under the Connected Coast High Speed internet program. Their service provider reported their internet speed already met the national standard. Consequently, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) had to arrange for loans of up to $12.5 million.
BC’s Ministry of Citizens’ Services, the Union of BC Municipalities and the Northern Development Initiative Trust hired TANEx Engineering to study reports that the amount of broad service available in rural communities is less than what servers like TELUS, Mascon Cable Services (a TELUS company) and Bell are reporting on the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map. According to the ‘Summary of Findings,’ released by the Ministry, ‘there was medium to high evidence of possible discrepancies in 106’ of the 940 localities studied.
Continue reading Erroneous internet speed reporting may cost the SRD $12.5 million, study suggestsHow our local government works – Last in a series of 5 articles from the Feb 9 SRD Board Meetings
At their February 9th meeting, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board voted against setting aside $50,000 to support community climate action planning initiatives.
The motion was brought forward by Cortes Island Regional Director Noba Anderson, who suggested the project fit into their strategic objectives for 2022. (See page 43 of linked budget document)
Continue reading SRD Board votes against funding local community climate action planningHow our local government works – Part 3 of 5 from the Feb 9 SRD Board Meeting
A Strathcona Regional District motion to remove the term ‘unceded’ from acknowledgements of First Nations territory was defeated, in a 8 to 6 vote, at the Wednesday, Feb 9 Board meeting.
Continue reading SRD motion to remove ‘unceded’ from First Nations territorial acknowledgements defeatedHow our local government works
At their January 12th meeting, the SRD Board had some good reports about the way individuals and corporations helped out during the recent cold snap.
Continue reading SRD: Individuals and corporations helping out during recent cold snap
