Did you know that as a Saanich resident, you’ve authorized the District of Saanich to borrow $150 million for the Saanich Operations Centre redevelopment, which will increase your property taxes for years to come, without lifting a finger?
That’s right. Your silence is your consent.
If you’ve not heard of this borrowing plan, you’re not alone. Saanich has run several ads in local newspapers that look like legal notices and do not explain this subject in plain language. They’ve also posted information on social media - but if you’re not on Facebook, Instagram, etc., you will never see it.
We believe that borrowing of this magnitude requires our consent through a referendum. Saanich thinks otherwise. That is why they’ve initiated an Alternative Approval Process for the borrowing. Unless you say no, you are deemed to be in favour.
Let Saanich know that you believe in democracy by filling out an elector response form to force them to hold a referendum. If we don’t let Saanich know that this is not an appropriate way to borrow money, they will continue to use this method in the future, the consequence of which you may not notice until you receive your ever-increasing property tax bill.
Forms, as well as additional information, are available at saveoursaanich.com.
Matt McGeachie
Saanich
