Citizens' Assembly on hold until after fall elections

The long-delayed Citizens' Assembly looking into merging the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria is going ahead.

“We have all agreed to each contribute $250,000, for a total of $750,000, toward the cost of a citizens’ assembly and to explore the possible outcomes, costs, benefits and disadvantages of amalgamation so that residents have a more complete understanding of what amalgamation may involve," said a statement issued by the three parties.

However, citing challenges with gathering in person during the pandemic, the process has been bumped back until after the Oct. 15 civic elections.

"We recognize there are strong opinions regarding amalgamation, and we want to ensure people have an opportunity to provide input in an open forum and a subsequent decision is well-informed and evidence-based, the statement said."