June 1, 2025, Newsletter
Hello CARA Membership,
Here are some topics that may be of interest to you. On behalf of the CARA Board of Directors (BOD), Thank you for your continued support!
Panama Flats Concept Plan Update
CARA has been working with Saanich and other stakeholders to collaboratively prepare a plan that reflects the community’s desires. Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent Panama Flats Requirements Gathering workshop - The results are being summarized this week for posting on CARA’s website over the weekend.
Saanich’s AAP (Alternate Approval Process): Submission Deadline June 25
The District of Saanich is currently undertaking an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to obtain electoral approval for "Saanich Operations Centre Redevelopment Project Loan Authorization Bylaw, 2024, No. 10105" to authorize the District to borrow up to $150,000,000 for the redevelopment of the Saanich Operations Centre.
This process assumes your consent unless you submit an electoral response form clearly indicating your objection by June 25th. Here is the link to Saanich’s website for more information:
Excerpt from Grumpy Taxpayers Newsletter:
“Make your voice known before the deadline on June 25, or it will give consent for Saanich residents by default. Ten per cent or more of the electors are needed to oppose borrowing $150 million (that is 8,735 responses in opposition). Forms are available from May 21.
The AAP used by the District of Saanich to seek public consent for borrowing millions or altering community assets is being touted as a cost-effective way to engage electors.
However, this provincially legislated mechanism, recently employed for five capital program bylaws and now proposed for the Saanich Operations Centre (SOC) redevelopment, is deeply flawed. It undermines democracy, prioritizes municipal agendas over public input, and demands reform to ensure Saanich residents have a genuine voice.
The AAP’s core mechanism is inherently anti-democratic. Unlike a referendum, where residents actively vote “yes” or “no,” the AAP assumes public approval unless 10% or more of eligible electors submit an elector response form to oppose a proposal.
This opt-out system places an unfair burden on residents to actively dissent, often within tight timelines. Many citizens, busy with daily life or unaware of the process, may not even know an AAP is underway. The recent five AAPs, concluded on March 19 for sewer, storm drainage, transportation, parks, and community facilities capital programs, illustrate this issue. With minimal public opposition recorded, one might assume widespread support, but low engagement more likely reflects the AAP’s obscurity, not community consensus.
Transparency is another casualty of the AAP. Saanich claims the process saves resources, but at what cost? Information about AAPs is often buried in municipal websites or dense documents, as seen with the SOC project’s reliance on the “HelloSaanich” page and FAQs.
Elector response forms for the upcoming AAP require residents to navigate bureaucratic hurdles to voice dissent. This setup disadvantages less tech-savvy or time-constrained residents, skewing participation toward those already engaged or opposed.
The district’s debt management strategy, allowing a maximum of 14% (we are at 5.33% now) of prior-year revenue for debt servicing, further complicates matters. Without clear, accessible communication about how borrowing impacts taxes, residents are left in the dark about decisions affecting their financial future.
Saanich’s leadership argues that AAPs are necessary to spread borrowing costs and maintain core services. Yet, this justification glosses over the process’s exclusionary nature.
The SOC redevelopment, a significant investment, deserves robust public scrutiny, not a passive approval process that risks rubber-stamping council priorities. The recent AAPs for capital programs, bundled together despite their distinct impacts, further diluted public ability to weigh in on specific initiatives. A referendum, though costlier, would ensure active participation and clear mandates, fostering trust in governance.
The AAP’s defenders may claim it’s efficient, but efficiency should not trump democracy. Saanich must prioritize inclusive engagement over cost-cutting shortcuts. Referendums, public town halls, or hybrid models combining digital and in-person voting could replace the AAP, ensuring all residents – not just the motivated few – shape their community’s future.”
The Elector Response Form can be found at this link:
You still need to print it out for your signature and to check the box. Then you can scan the completed version and email it to aap@saanich.ca if you intend to submit electronically. You can also drop the form off in person. The benefit of submitting electronically is that you have a record of Saanich receiving your form.
UMF (Uptown Multi-Cultural Festival)
CARA is part of SCAN (Saanich Community Association Network) and will have BOD members volunteering at the SCAN booth at the Multi-Cultural Festival being held on Sunday June 22nd at the Uptown Boulevard – consider visiting and finding more about SCAN and its member Community Associations.
MITP (Music in the Park)
CARA is co-hosting with Saanich and the Saanich Legacy Foundation another Music in the Park at Hyacinth Park on August 5th. This year’s band is Rock of Ages. Once again, CARA will have a booth at the event and the Board looks forward to you popping in and visiting. Kindly consider a donation to help CARA keep up its volunteer efforts.
Do you have a creative budding entrepreneurial youth in your household? Did you know they can have a booth a Music-In-The-Park?
Here is a link to more information and the Youth Agreement form for participation: https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/parks-recreation-community/parks/events-in-park/music-in-the-park.html
*Excludes food and drink – think crafts
Rifflandia Community Partnership
If you are doing Rifflandia in September, we'd be ecstatic if you'd think of us when you're getting your tickets!! Use the CAREY15 code at checkout. Any funds directed our way will be put to good use for the Carey Area community!!
