Democracy Corner

This series of articles is intended to help increase our collective understanding of how local government, especially our regional district, is supposed to work for us -- what is their role and what is the process they use to make decisions.

Why is process so important?

I learned the importance of democratic process when I was a municipal councilor in Highlands, and dealing with the largest development in BC at the time (Bear Mountain - part in Langford and part in Highlands). I was exposed first-hand to risks to our democracy (involving conflict of interest, a lawsuit, a murder charge, and a tiger …).

Learning to understand and use the tools available (e.g. the Local Government Act) was critical to reaching an acceptable option (which involved the entire Capital Regional District – 13 municipalities and 2 electoral areas, and a provincial-appointed mediator and arbitrator). I also learned from being the Highlands representative on the CREST Board (Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications), the Regional Arts Council, and chair of the Highlands Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Democratic process may seem boring and tedious (which it is), but it is essential to our community well-being. You don’t have to look far to see risks to democracy.

One of the main ways that democratic process can go off track is if people do not know how it is supposed to work.

Over the past couple of years, it has become clear to me that there is some uncertainty about how regional districts are supposed to function, and the role of regional directors.

Even the PRRD itself seems to have some misunderstandings. Last spring, after I pointed out a case in which staff had not applied proper process, my complaint was acknowledged and the process was corrected, but PRRD Chair Brabazon also wrote to me “Those who seek some deep, dark, conspiracy to subvert the democratic process are looking for something that is not there.”

Poorly understood and applied democratic process by all parties can lead to conflict.

How Regional Governments are Supposed to Work

In the collection of articles below, I draw on my experiences as a municipal councilor in the Highlands and on the various regulations and acts that enable our Regional District to make decisions and provide services to their constituents.

I hope you find these useful.

Andrew Fall