Monthly Archives: March 2012
Are street people treated unfairly? Businessman, politician differ
By Bill Cleverley, Victoria Times Colonist, March 31, 2012 It could be a tale of two cities. Victoria Coun. Ben Isitt is calling for the possible repeal of the city’s chattels bylaw in the wake of a report that says street people are often unfairly targeted by police. Douglas Street businessman Scott Harrison, on the … Continue reading
Victoria’s tax increase shrinks, thanks to council cuts
By Bill Cleverley, Victoria Times Colonist, March 30, 2012 With Coun. Marianne Alto leading the charge, Victoria councillors shaved another $260,000 from this year’s budget, reducing the property tax increase to 3.25 per cent from an anticipated 3.5 per cent. Alto, who failed last week to convince her colleagues the tax increase could be limited … Continue reading
CFAX radio interview: Regulatory approach to cannabis control
Listen to this CFAX 1070 radio interview with Dave Dixon from March 24, 2012, where I discuss a motion unanimously supported by Victoria City Council in favour of a regulatory approach to cannabis control: Link to CFAX 1070 radio interview, March 24, 2012 // Download CFAX radio Podcast Tweet
Council unanimously passes motion to support regulatory approach to cannabis control
By Sheila Gardner, CFAX News, March 22, 2012 Victoria City council has unanimously passed a motion that shows the city supports a regulatory approach to the control of marijuana. Councillor Ben Isitt introduced the motion to the Governance and Priorities Committee last week, and says it is a motion showing other jurisdictions that Victoria supports such a … Continue reading
Victoria begins tendering process for bridge project
By Roszan Holmen, Victoria News, March 19, 2012 After city council gave its blessing to the $15.8-million price hike for the new Johnson Street Bridge, staff wasted no time starting the search for a general contractor to get the work done. On Friday, it posted a callout to companies interested in being shortlisted for the … Continue reading
Victoria council deems pot good, pipelines bad
By Bill Cleverley, Victoria Times Colonist, March 16, 2012 Proposed oil pipelines proved more contentious than pot for Victoria councillors this week as they went on record opposing the former and supporting the latter. A motion put forth by Coun. Ben Isitt supporting the taxation and regulation of cannabis passed without debate. The resolution noted … Continue reading
Victoria approves $15.8 million increase to Johnson Street Bridge project
By Bill Cleverley, Victoria Times Colonist, March 15, 2012 Victoria councillors reluctantly decided to stay the course and approved a $15.8-million increase to the Johnson Street Bridge project — bringing the total cost of replacement to $92.8 million. But council indicated it is not willing to entertain future cost increases and passed a motion saying … Continue reading
Battle lines being drawn over bridge design
By Frank Stanford, CFAX News, March 14, 2012 At least one member of Victoria Council says he will urge his colleagues to kill the architectural design of the Johnson Street Bridge replacement. Ben Isitt says the 15.8 million dollars in additional cost estimates announced yesterday is proof the city has planned too ambitious a project. … Continue reading
CFAX Radio interview: Johnson Street Bridge cost overruns
Listen to this CFAX 1070 AM interview with Al Ferraby from March 14, 2012, where I discuss cost overruns on the Johnson Street Bridge project and the need for Council to consider a simpler, more functional design: Link to CFAX 1070 radio interview, March 14, 2012 // Download CFAX radio Podcast Tweet
Bridge debate changes focus to cost, design
By Simon Nattrass, Monday Magazine, March 9, 2012 With the recent removal of one half of the Blue Bridge, debate over refurbishment or replacement has been locked firmly into the past. Having lost the first battle, critics of the project have shifted their attention to points of contention in the construction of a new bridge. … Continue reading
More police needed, but chief making do
By Bill Cleverley, Victoria Times Colonist, March 9, 2012 Victoria police Chief Jamie Graham says he could use another 55 officers, but, realizing money is tight, is prepared to make do with what he has. “Despite considerable demands placed on us in terms of our criminal caseload and our calls for service, we are not … Continue reading
Ombudsman suggested to ease councillors’ load
By Bill Cleverley, Victoria Times Colonist, March 8, 2012 Victoria should consider establishing an ombudsman’s office – or at the very least an ombudsman committee – to deal with citizen issues, says Coun. Ben Isitt. “I think what I would favour now, on a trial basis for the remainder of 2012, [is] we try to … Continue reading
CBC Radio interview: Municipal Ombudsperson
Listen to this CBC Radio interview from March 2nd, 2012, where I discuss the idea of a municipal Ombudsperson for Victoria: Link to CBC Radio interview, March 2, 2012 // Download CBC radio Podcast Tweet
