A question of amalgamation between Saanich and Victoria could appear on the ballots this fall, but new information from the province suggests a referendum question may not apply. In 2014, both communities sought the opinion of residents via ballot, asking if there was interest in exploring amalgamation or integration, with residents weighing in favour. During the 2018 election, residents approved by referendum establishing a citizens assembly to explore cost, benefits, and disadvantages of amalgamation. That assembly recommended amalgamation in spring 2025. Last summer, Victoria council
received the report and tasked staff with crafting a question, alongside Saanich staff subsequently in the fall, the mayors of Victoria and Saanich sent a joint letter to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, seeking a provincially authorized referendum on amalgamation in each municipality during the 2026 general local elections. This April, the minister responded, saying a referendum would only be considered following additional analysis of the financial, transitional and service impacts of amalgamation, and consultation with area First Nations. “Council can include any
community opinion question it wishes on the 2026 ballot without provincial involvement or approval, but the province would not be obligated to take any action to implement the result,” staff say in a report to Victoria city council. “If council wishes to pursue a provincially authorized referendum, the city and the District of Saanich will need to meet the minister’s requirements, more funding would be needed, and it is unlikely the province’s conditions could be met in time for the 2026 election.” While Victoria staff
make no recommendation, a similar report appears before Saanich council Monday (June 22) night. There, district staff suggest a non-binding public option question – ‘Do you support Saanich and Victoria becoming one municipality?’ – on the fall ballot. Victoria council will discuss the report during its June 25 committee meeting. Find the full agenda and ways to participate online at victoria.ca.
Victoria, Saanich, amalgamation referendum, citizens assembly, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, 2026 general local elections, non-binding public question, First Nations consultation
So they’re just gonna skip it? Sounds like they already decided then.
Wait, I’m confused—like is the vote happening or not? The article says “authorized referendum” but also says they can put something on the ballot anyway, so… what are we even voting on. Non-binding questions are kind of a joke tbh.
This is why politics takes forever. They keep talking about finances and “transitional impacts” like it’s some big surprise. Also the First Nations consultation part—does that mean they’re delaying until someone’s mad or something? Either way I don’t see how they’d ever meet the requirements before 2026.
I don’t get it. In 2014 people voted yes and then 2018 another thing, and now suddenly the province is like “nah not yet” because of analysis. Meanwhile council can still ask a question without provincial approval, but the province won’t implement it… so what’s the point of even asking the public. People in Victoria and Saanich just want clarity, not paperwork.