I realize that there are many aspects of Oak BayB次元官网网址檚 governance requiring immediate attention (a housing strategy and necessary bylaws, review of the 2014 Official Community Plan, improved public engagement, rework of the terms of reference of our commissions and Advisory Design Panel, asset management, implementing development cost charges, etc.)
Superseding all these priorities is the need to address Oak BayB次元官网网址檚 crumbling infrastructure. To do so will require approximately $283 million (2015 estimate) over the next few decades. Below are three suggestions to begin the process B次元官网网址� information, a sign of CouncilB次元官网网址檚 commitment and a realistic first step.
Information: Hold a financial rather than a budget information open house on March 28, 2019. Adding consolidated financial and reserve statements information gives the context in which to set budget priorities. (The 2017 financial statement lists reserve funds of $649,139 for infrastructure renewal. There are no unallocated reserves.)
Commitment: Council needs to show the community it is serious. This requires Council to set aside a significant amount ($1 million?) for infrastructure renewal before examining the other 2019 budget items.
First step: Many communities are also struggling with aging infrastructure, including Kelowna. Their 2030 infrastructure planning documents can be found at .
I suggest a small task force of about half a dozen, composed of staff, councillors and community members, be set up. Their mandate would be to look at Kelowna and other communitiesB次元官网网址� approach to infrastructure renewal. Their report and an information open house would be an excellent method to inform us all of what lies ahead.
Mike Wilmut
Oak Bay
