Dear Editor:
I'd like to clarify a few points raised in a recent Liz James column about amalgamation (Minister Chong Could Drive Amalgamation, Jan. 25).
The province is committed to supporting local governments in creating strong communities with good job opportunities for B.C. families.
In 2004, the province made a commitment, which is enshrined in the Community Charter, that municipal amalgamation would not be forced. This means that a change to local government structure in B.C. will only occur if local governments want and initiate the change, and if it is supported by the electors in each community.
The City of North Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver and the City of West Vancouver would have to voluntarily decide to amalgamate.
Once an amalgamation study is completed and the councils involved agree that there is enough public support to amalgamate, they could request that I order a restructure vote in each of the municipalities (this is a statutory provision). In order for amalgamation to take place, the vote would have to be successful in each municipality.
It should be noted that these communities can also choose to jointly provide services without amalgamating.
Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
