On May 3, councillor Ben Isitt proposed that the City appoint an oversight monitor to review the replacement of the Johnson Street Bridge. Isitt later withdrew his motion — which Mayor Dean Fortin suggested put the project at risk of “political interference.” Fortin’s words are disappointing, because independent oversight has been sorely lacking from this project, and is exactly what it needs.
The City of Victoria’s financial position is not good. This year, the director of finance warned that in order to limit tax increases, some tough decisions will need to be made. Some on council want increase revenues by liquidating City properties, extending pay-parking hours and selling naming rights to facilities like Crystal Garden. But these are short-term solutions to a long-term problem.
We are facing a Johnson Street Bridge replacement that started out at $64 million, then increased to $77 million, and has now hit almost $93 million. What happens in June if the tenders come back with more cost increases, or further compromises to the project? The City needs to develop a backup plan. Otherwise, council is exposing citizens to far too much financial risk.
As chair of the corporate services committee, councillor Chris Coleman is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of City administration. However, judging by his lack of concern about a $63,840 payout to a former colleague of the city manager who also sat on an “all-volunteer” advisory panel for the Johnson Street Bridge project, one wonders if Coleman takes his job seriously.
Open Victoria has obtained the complete consultants’ reports on the city’s Fire Hall #1 and Crystal Pool. The reports — neither of which are on the City’s website — suggest that both buildings should be replaced, at a cost of at least $15 million for a new fire hall, and around $20 million for a new pool and fitness facility. How will we be able to pay for all this, when the City has nearly maxed out its manageable debt? Read our summaries of the reports, and get ready to ask some questions of your elected officials.
