A recent editorial by CFAX 1070 News Director Murray Langdon hit the nail on the head.
http://www.cfax1070.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4683%3Amurray-langdons-comment&catid=52%3Aeditorials&Itemid=115
Greater Victoria's high housing costs are forcing young families to relocate. This is due to restrictive land use policies in our region implemented by 13 municipalities, all with their own community plans. Why do we have 13 municipalities?
The BC govt has a unique policy in Canada called "self-determination for municipalities." BC has legislation that prevents forced amalgamations by the minister responsible for municipalities. See Section 279 of the Community Charter - No forced amalgamations
http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/03026_09
In other provinces, the minister can force an amalgamation if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the community. BC's legislation should be similar.
Housing affordability can be better addressed when we are able to create a community plan that reflects the needs of the region, including housing affordability, transportation, and infrastructure.
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