CRD chairman sets out four priorities for 2019

Transportation, First Nations relations, housing and climate change/environment are the four top priorities for the Capital Regional District board heading into 2019, said incoming chairman Colin Plant.

Plant, a Saanich councillor, began his inaugural address Wednesday by suggesting that board members take turns over the course of the coming year acknowledging that meetings are held on First Nations land.

“Each month we start our meeting with an acknowledgment of the territory where we are meeting,” Plant said. “I believe there is great value in doing this … and would like to invite a different director each month to provide this acknowledgment in order to show our collective and personal commitment to this acknowledgment.”

Plant said it is time to do more in working with First Nations.

“Acknowledging First Nations’ right to participate in decisionmaking that affects them is something that will require our willingness to find a common ground built on respect, dignity and the opportunity for Indigenous self-determination.”

Plant said climate change is a vital issue.

“Any level of government that does not prepare for climate change and try to limit it is doing its future citizens an injustice,” he said.

“That is why we collectively must continue to acknowledge and support the plans we have created to adapt and mitigate the effects of our actions.

“When difficult decisions come before us where we are tested, we must have the courage as a board to do what is right for the planet.”

Housing is another key responsibility, Plant said.

“Our role as a board is to continue to work together to ensure we can effectively work toward ending homelessness and create more affordable and attainable housing in our region.”

Plant said he is reorganizing some committees, since there could have been nine standing committees in place.

One measure will be to combine the parks and environment committees, providing a venue where such issues as climate change and solid waste will be dealt with.

“The committee will review public-survey results regarding future spending priorities for regional parks and consider whether to extend the [CRD parkacquisition fund], how to use those funds and what new parkland we may want to acquire,” Plant said.

“Since the fund started in 2000, the regional parks and trails system has grown from just over 8,400 hectares to 13,000 hectares.

“This expanding system helps protect the environment and biodiversity while connecting an ever-increasing number of people with nature.”