DUNCAN – The Citizens’ Assembly on Municipal Amalgamation is resuming its deliberations following a month-long recess during which a technical analysis of the proposed merger was completed.
During its first three meetings, the 36 randomly-selected Assembly members heard from a range of voices, including experts on municipal amalgamation, local history as well as representatives of local businesses. The Assembly also hosted the first of two public meetings which any area resident is welcome to attend.
Copies of presentations made to the Assembly, as well as an interim report containing the Assembly’s values, identified issues and outstanding questions, can be downloaded from the Assembly’s website: dnc-cama.ca.
“The Assembly has worked carefully to consider a range of perspectives and really understand the implications of amalgamation,” says Assembly Chair Peter MacLeod. “I know our members will be reading the technical report with keen interest.”
The Citizens’ Assembly is a unique exercise in local democracy that provides residents with an opportunity to develop and evaluate the case for amalgamating the City of Duncan and the Municipality of North Cowichan.
The Assembly is an arms-length process that has been commissioned by the elected councils of both municipalities. The support of both councils, a majority of voters during a future referendum, and the consent of the provincial cabinet would be required for amalgamation to proceed.
Cowichan Valley residents interested in learning more about the Assembly and sharing their views on municipal amalgamation are encouraged to attend the second and final public roundtable:
- Thursday, April 6 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Somenos Room at the Island Savings Centre