This letter to the editor originally appeared in the Times Colonist on June 12, 2026.
North Saanich council’s decision to move forward with a controversial bylaw that reduces the number of municipal officers — reversing a governance decision made only two years ago — deserves greater public discussion.
Residents are entitled to ask straightforward questions. Why are we changing course? Who asked for this change? What problem is being solved? What has changed since the original decision was made? Why is the previous arrangement no longer considered sufficient? Most importantly, how does this change benefit North Saanich residents?
Council has a responsibility to explain not only what it is doing, but why it is doing it. Decisions that alter municipal governance should be supported by clear evidence and a transparent rationale. Without that explanation, residents are left to speculate.
There are also practical questions that deserve answers. What happens to the approving officers’ positions directly affected by this bylaw change? Will those staff members retain their existing responsibilities? Will positions be eliminated, downgraded or restructured? Are there severance, recruitment or other financial implications associated with the change? What will those costs be, and who ultimately pays them?
North Saanich is already navigating challenges, including housing pressures, infrastructure demands and debates over the character of the community. At a time when public trust is more important than ever, council should welcome these questions and provide clear answers.
Good governance is about ensuring transparency in governance by democratically elected officials, ensuring that residents understand why decisions are being made and how those decisions serve the public interest.
Sheila Bailin North Saanich
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