The City of Victoria and the District of Saanich are forking out hundreds of thousands of dollars to explore potential amalgamation between the two communities.
Victoria mayor Lisa Helps, Saanich mayor Fred Haynes and BC’s Municipal Affairs Minister Nathan Cullen released a joint statement Wednesday, highlighting plans to investigate the possible merger.
The trio agreed to each pay $250,000—for a total of $750,000—toward the cost of a citizens’ assembly and to research the outcomes, costs, benefits and disadvantages of combining Victoria and Saanich.
Helps, Haynes and Cullen say they’re committed to exploring citizens’ views and note that the investigation will also help people better understand what amalgamation may involve.
“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,” read the statement.
According to officials, the launch of the citizens’ assembly isn’t anticipated until after the upcoming general local elections wrap up in October.
The City of Victoria has a population of around 94,000, while the District of Saanich has a population of about 119,000.
If the two were to merge, it could prompt a name change—Vaanich? Saantoria? Victorich?
