STEWARDSHIP
Managing Change in Uncertain Times
The coming year will bring significant uncertainty in areas beyond our direct control; the Saanich-Victoria amalgamation referendum may create the need for negotiation among all core municipalities; police integration pressures will impact local service standards and costs; tariff uncertainty will impact costs and delivery timelines for capital projects; provincial interference and increased regulation is likely to add to everyday operational costs; extreme federal and provincial debt will impact access to grants and social service levels. Our goal should be position ourselves to manage this uncertainty, with an expectation of self-sufficiency into the foreseeable future.
Our financial focus must be on core services, operational excellence, and health and safety measures - the only way we can keep taxes down while meeting our essential obligations. While significant operational improvements have begun in all departments, particularly over the last two years, Council must keep a careful eye on the outcomes and support innovation that makes a difference.
For our community to be vibrant and viable for future generations we must complete the development framework that will stem from the completed OCP work. The Provincial Bill 44 (and other related legislation) imposed universal rules on all municipalities in BC, requiring a minimum of 4 units per lot, restricting public input into development, using generic formulas for housing targets, and generally reducing local autonomy for decision making. Oak Bay has walked a fine line, as we agree with the intent of adding new housing forms (work well underway when the Province inserted itself), but not the onerous costs and time impacts of their ongoing interventions and one-size-fits-all approach.
Building on the suite legalization, OCP update, ACC/DCC fee implementation, and infill housing work completed, this term should see the University of Victoria advance their "Cedar Hill Corner" development, amendments to mid-block 4-plex designs, completion of the beach Drive "special study area," and implementation of new Village Plans.
Oak Bay Lodge redevelopment remains a key priority. Although it is still in external control at this point we must work with the CRD and Province toward a commitment (see "Oak Bay Lodge" for details on the Policies page).
Another key priority is Turkey Head / Spewhung, where the land adjacent to the marina needs redevelopment. Significant work is required to bring back restaurant and other commercial, recreation, and social activities. This should be a vibrant center for the community (and a welcome space for First Nations) if planned and executed well.
On a final note, I would like to thank the community of Oak Bay for their robust input into the recent OCP update. Your feedback helped guide a moderate approach to change which allows for growth and new housing forms while retaining much of the community character and livability we love so much. That is never an easy balance to strike, and your feedback was critical.