COMOX VALLEY – A recent Times Colonist editorial by Frank Bouree stated, “It’s time for the province to commission a study of local governance in the capital region.”
In Victoria, there is a majority support and demand to improve local governance. It is clear that major progress has not been made with individual municipalities, which has hindered opportunities for the area. Strong and united regional governance is needed to sustain a growing and vibrant community.
The Comox Valley is faced with similar issues, which has been the catalyst for the Chamber to petition for a governance review. This study, conducted by the province of BC, would provide actionable results for the Valley to improve services and governance on a united front.
As a Valley, we’ve grown. There are many services we share and collaborative management is important to the wellbeing of the community. A governance review provides a vital opportunity for our community to leverage change in the governance of the Comox Valley – change that would ultimately benefit and ensure growth and sustainability for our future generations.
The Chamber has been petitioning for signatures to request this study. To date, we’ve collected over 2,800 signatures in the Comox Valley. When the Chamber speaks to people about the governance review study and its purpose, the majority have been positively supportive. As such, reaching our goal of 5,000 signatures (roughly 10 per cent of the Valley electorate) is simply a matter of time and resources. In a recent business leader’s survey conducted by MNP, out of 200 local business leaders surveyed in the Comox Valley, 88 per cent supported the idea of conducting a governance review.
As Andrew Gower, Chair of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, recently said: “I am hopeful the BC Chamber’s position on governance and the restructuring of Improvement Districts will be heard in Victoria and lead to positive improvements for Chamber members throughout the province, and specifically here in the Comox Valley.”
About the Governance Review Task Force:
The goal of the Comox Valley Governance Review Task Force is to initiate an independent study to determine if the governance of the Comox Valley is structured in a manner that best satisfies the political, cultural and public services the community needs in order to meet the challenges that growth brings. To support this Chamber initiative, visit our office or print a petition sheet online and ask your friends and family to do the same.
Welcome to new members”
A warm welcome goes to our new members joining the chamber as since the beginning of July. ILS Learning Corporation, Max Rein, Morgan Ebbett Career Services and Walker 24 Menswear. We look forward to supporting you and the future of your business.
– Dianne Hawkins is the President and CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at dhawkins@comoxvalleychamber.com.
Upcoming Chamber Events
- Tuesday, September 8th | Chamber Business Mixer | Hosted by Hans Peter Meyer for #WeAreYQQ
- Tuesday, September 15th | Chamber Business Mixer | Hosted by Vancouver Island Vocational and Rehabilitation Services (VIVRS)
- Tuesday, September 22nd | Chamber Business Mixer | Hosted by NIC School of Business
- Wednesday, October 21st | 2015 Tech Expo Launch Party
- Thursday, October 22nd | 2015 Tech Expo
- Tuesday, November 3rd | Chamber Business Mixer | Hosted by I-Hos Gallery
- Thursday, November 19th | Chamber Breakfast
- Tuesday, December 8th | Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Community Partners Christmas Mixer