To Ralph and your blog readers, ,
I am writing to remind your readers that there is a Public Meeting at the Community Hall this Wednesday at 7pm. These town hall meetings are important forums for Council to receive feedback and an opportunity for the community to receive verifiable information on matters of community interest. I know I am excited about this opportunity to hear from Tofino residents.
I mention ‘verifiable information’ as some provocative statements on your blog could be taken by your readers as real or true when in some instances I know they are not eg: “Council is talking about Pay Parking” or that “something is in the works about Day Care”.
Our community deserves better than that. Even if these are subjects of discussion, which to my knowledge they are not, what is so threatening about a Council and staff discussing options if the intention is to improve the quality of life, the cost or benefit to the community and so forth? Except for legal or employee matters which are addressed by necessity in Camera, everything else is in the public arena.
Also, all Councillor contact information is available on the District website www.tofino.ca. I personally welcome anyone to call me directly at 250 726 5565 or email baert@tofino.ca , just don’t do it anonymously. Disparaging comments without accountability are toxic and damaging far beyond the intended target. This is not the same as criticism which is a sign of healthy dialogue, something I hope will be evident at the Town Hall Meeting. Hope to see you there.
Dorothy Baert
Monday, January 31, 2011
Jan 31 2011 Tofino Daycare
In response to many questions about the daycare center. Something is apparently in the works. I would imagine that it will be addressed at the budget meeting tomorrow morning at 9. I'll update when I get any info or if you know please post....
Friday, January 28, 2011
Water Bill time again jan 28 2011
Time to pay your water bill again....many blog readers have asked why we still have to pay the "Water Levy" ?? Does anyone have this information ?? I asked when I paid my bill and was told they are working on it....
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Temporary Use Permits Jan 27, 2011
Some concerned blog readers have asked what's going on with Council contemplating the future of Temporary Use Permits....please write in if you have any information....thanks,Ralph
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Municipal Auditor ? Jan.22 2011
I'm not a fan of any of the candidates for the NDP or Social Credit but Christy Clark has put forth an interesting proposal :
January 18, 2011
VANCOUVER - In recognition there is only one taxpayer in British Columbia, BC Liberal leadership candidate Christy Clark told the BC Chamber of Commerce today she is proposing an Office of the Municipal Auditor General.
"Municipal governments play a vital role in creating a sense of community and ensuring families have the services and amenities they need to flourish," says Clark. "Over the last several years, as the economy has shifted, municipalities have struggled to determine how to fund services and deal with the shifting of responsibilities from senior levels of governments. This new office would look at the competition between commercial, industrial and residential taxation, the role local government is playing and find ways to make sure the taxpayer is being well-served."
Under Clark's proposal, the office would be funded by the provincial government and work as part of the Auditor General's office. The office would provide advice on financial decisions, provide a measure of accountability and review the municipal taxation formula.
"As the auditor general does now, this new office would be able to select its own areas for review, react to requests from municipalities and look at suggestions from the public," says Clark. "Small towns, in particular, have an issue of capacity and this office would help meet those needs. A municipal tax review will examine whether the system is fair and that no one group is carrying an unfair burden, allowing for a public dialogue involving property taxpayers across British Columbia."
Following the municipal taxation and responsibility review, Clark would work with the Union of BC Municipalities to ensure the system is properly funded and communities can provide the services British Columbians want from local government.
"There are many instances of how municipal government is working across the province," says Clark. "The Municipal Finance Authority is a prime example of how the system can work. I would ask this new office, along with UBCM, to share best practices and help ensure all taxpayers are getting the best possible service."
Clark says, if elected premier, she will consult with local governments and ratepayer groups to establish the terms of reference for the review.
January 18, 2011
VANCOUVER - In recognition there is only one taxpayer in British Columbia, BC Liberal leadership candidate Christy Clark told the BC Chamber of Commerce today she is proposing an Office of the Municipal Auditor General.
"Municipal governments play a vital role in creating a sense of community and ensuring families have the services and amenities they need to flourish," says Clark. "Over the last several years, as the economy has shifted, municipalities have struggled to determine how to fund services and deal with the shifting of responsibilities from senior levels of governments. This new office would look at the competition between commercial, industrial and residential taxation, the role local government is playing and find ways to make sure the taxpayer is being well-served."
Under Clark's proposal, the office would be funded by the provincial government and work as part of the Auditor General's office. The office would provide advice on financial decisions, provide a measure of accountability and review the municipal taxation formula.
"As the auditor general does now, this new office would be able to select its own areas for review, react to requests from municipalities and look at suggestions from the public," says Clark. "Small towns, in particular, have an issue of capacity and this office would help meet those needs. A municipal tax review will examine whether the system is fair and that no one group is carrying an unfair burden, allowing for a public dialogue involving property taxpayers across British Columbia."
Following the municipal taxation and responsibility review, Clark would work with the Union of BC Municipalities to ensure the system is properly funded and communities can provide the services British Columbians want from local government.
"There are many instances of how municipal government is working across the province," says Clark. "The Municipal Finance Authority is a prime example of how the system can work. I would ask this new office, along with UBCM, to share best practices and help ensure all taxpayers are getting the best possible service."
Clark says, if elected premier, she will consult with local governments and ratepayer groups to establish the terms of reference for the review.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Jan. 19, 2011 Resort Municipality Funding
I have some more Info on the Resort Municipality Funding.
1.To date Tofino has received $1,721,486.64
2.The projects funded to date have been: Clayoquot Sound Theatre Seats, a contribution to the Ahkmahksis Water Reservoir, MUP and the Lighthouse Trail.
3. The funds can only be used for specific projects.
4. The current balance of the fund is $1,530,510.00
So you have to wonder why the District Council used a "Towns for Tomorrow" grant for the North Chestermans parking lot instead of using this fund ? That would have freed up the "Towns for Tomorrow" grant to be used on the water system.
You also have to wonder why this money isn't being used to upgrade beach access and facilities.It would make sense that as a Resort Municipality we would have a public washroom and decent parking at MacKenzie Beach, Middle Chestermans etc....I'm sure you will all have some ideas.....
I was shocked to learn that we have this kind of money available .Council should be working hard to ensure that this money is used wisely and nothing is coming out of general revenue that could be considered a Resort Municipality project....Your comments please ??
1.To date Tofino has received $1,721,486.64
2.The projects funded to date have been: Clayoquot Sound Theatre Seats, a contribution to the Ahkmahksis Water Reservoir, MUP and the Lighthouse Trail.
3. The funds can only be used for specific projects.
4. The current balance of the fund is $1,530,510.00
So you have to wonder why the District Council used a "Towns for Tomorrow" grant for the North Chestermans parking lot instead of using this fund ? That would have freed up the "Towns for Tomorrow" grant to be used on the water system.
You also have to wonder why this money isn't being used to upgrade beach access and facilities.It would make sense that as a Resort Municipality we would have a public washroom and decent parking at MacKenzie Beach, Middle Chestermans etc....I'm sure you will all have some ideas.....
I was shocked to learn that we have this kind of money available .Council should be working hard to ensure that this money is used wisely and nothing is coming out of general revenue that could be considered a Resort Municipality project....Your comments please ??
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