Salt Spring LCC
A Local Community Commission for Salt Spring
Much has been accomplished over the years to provide our community with local government services and amenities. However, many Salt Springers believe that governance of our essential Capital Regional District (CRD) services will be significantly improved by a Local Community Commission (LCC).
We currently have only one elected representative, the Electoral Director, making most local CRD decisions.
It is time that Salt Spring's over 11,000 residents have more elected representation to oversee our essential CRD Services.
If the Referendum to approve Bylaw 4507 passes on October 15, a Salt Spring Local Community Commission (LCC) will be established to oversee Capital Regional District (CRD) local services. An LCC would be comprised of four elected at large Local Commissioners. They would be authorized to work collaboratively with the CRD Electoral Director to make local service decisions.
The LCC will have substantial powers, described in the Bylaw. It will have responsibility for 14 local CRD services ranging from parks and transportation to economic development.
For 11 of these services, the LCC will have full administrative authority, meaning that it will make all decisions relating to these services except the passage of bylaws and final approval of the annual budget. For the other 3 services (arts, library and Search and Rescue), which are partially funded through CRD tax dollars, the LCC will provide oversight.
With control of CRD's most essential (and expensive ) services, the LCC will finally give Salt Springers much needed authority over local services. The annual fixed costs of the LCC are about $50,000, less than two per cent of the budgets for which the LCC will be responsible. Any additional costs will need to be approved in open public meetings by the elected Local Commissioners.
Two bylaws have been created, one, Bylaw 4507, to establish the LCC and the services it would oversee and requiring voter approval in the October 15, 2022 local election. The second bylaw, Bylaw 4508, does not require voter approval and defines the level of authority over the designated services.
If approved at the October 15, 2022 local election, this LCC would be the first in a community larger than 900. While daunting for some, others see this as the perfect opportunity for a unique Made on Salt Spring solution to our governance challenges.
Want more information? Please look at the documents on the following pages.
Still need more information? Please email lccsaltspring@gmail.com to get the answers to your questions.
Authorized by Salt Springers for an L.C.C., registered sponsor under LECFA 250-537-4482
Documents
Contact: lccsaltspring@gmail.com