Popham’s between offices due to protests, insurance
The opening of Saanich South MLA Lana Popham’s new constituency office has been delayed by at least two months — and protesters are to blame.
Popham, who is also agriculture minister, said she had already given notice at her Quadra Street space when her prospective landlord said insurance would be required to cover damage from protests.
Anti-fish farm protesters have hosted occupations at Popham’s constituency office, as well as those of Premier John Horgan, Indigenous Relations and Reconcilation Minister Scott Fraser, Attorney General David Eby, along with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans office in Victoria.
“After the fish-farm protests, the landlord was going to require protest insurance. That’s not something we can do,” Popham said.
“That happened at the 11th hour and by that time, my current office had already been rented out. So we were at the point of no return.”
She has found a spot in Royal Oak — but it isn’t available until Feb. 1. Popham said the address won’t be disclosed until the lease agreement is signed.
Until she can move in, there will be a two- to three-month period when Popham does not have a constituency office. She said she will continue to schedule meetings with constituents and can meet them in their homes or offices or at community centres.
The decision to move was made after the election. After nine years at 4085 Quadra St., Popham said, it was time for a change.
She wanted more space; the new space is 1,500 square feet, up from 900 square feet. It has a wheelchair-accessible bathroom and will also be large enough to host small town-hall meetings and other public events.
Not having an office is OK in the short term, but isn’t a sustainable solution, she said.
“I think, ideally, you have a space with an office where people can come and meet you. I think that’s the most efficient way of doing things,” she said.
The proposed rent is about $3,350 per month, according to the draft lease. The existing lease, which expires Dec. 31, is $3,617.63 per month.
Constituency office rent is covered by the Legislative Assembly of B.C., which contracts Shared Services B.C. to advise MLAs on appropriate constituency office and leasing agreements.
All leases are reviewed by the legislative assembly before they are signed to ensure it is getting good value for space, said Craig James, clerk of the legislative assembly.
James said there have been a few issues finding space this session.
Rent costs have been dramatically higher on the Lower Mainland, for example.
“The termination clause is another problematic area given the minority government situation: Terminating a constituency office lease earlier than the stipulated term of the parliament should an election be called early,” James said.
He confirmed that some landlords want indemnification for damage to their property when constituency offices are located in malls.
“We have so far been successful in refusing to accept responsibility for damage to property other than the constituency office itself where demonstrations and/or occupations occur outside of a constituency office.”