Barb Featherstonhaugh wants View Royal residents to be clear: asking voters whether they want amalgamation investigated further does not constitute a referendum on amalgamation.
The View Royal Community Association chair is overseeing a public meeting on Monday where residents can hear more information about a proposal to place a non-binding referendum question on the ballot for the 2014 civic election.
The discussion is also expected to touch on how amalgamation might be of benefit to the Township.
“In the long run, we’ll wind up with better services and a better financial situation for Greater Victoria,” Featherstonhaugh said of the potential for View Royal and the region.
The meeting is not endorsed by council. Sitting as committee of the whole on Tuesday, council voted to reject putting any kind of question on the ballot that would have gauged residents’ appetite for pursuing further some form of regional amalgamation.
While she acknowledged that approval from tiny View Royal would not likely have swayed larger municipalities to support the initiative – Victoria is the only municipality to say ‘yes’ to a ballot question – Featherstonhaugh said it would keep people talking about the issue.
“Issues like this need to go to the general electorate,” Featherstonhaugh said. “Everyone needs to have a say in something so large.”
The large fire hall referendum turnout showed people will vote on things they feel strongly enough about, she said. The meeting happens at 7:30 p.m. at the View Royal Town Hall, 279 Island Hwy.
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