Sayward Residents Demand Change: A Push for Municipal Dissolution
The Village of Sayward, British Columbia, is at a crossroads. A growing movement, spearheaded by concerned residents, is actively seeking to dissolve the municipality and transition its governance to the Strathcona Regional District (SRD). This initiative has reached a critical milestone, with organizers reporting that over 130 residents – a majority – have signed petitions requesting provincial intervention.
Why Dissolve Sayward? Concerns Over Finances and Governance
The driving force behind the dissolution effort stems from deep-seated concerns regarding the Village’s financial stability and the functionality of its council. Jess Bennett, a leading organizer and Sayward resident, articulated the frustrations: “The fact that the council is dysfunctional, the legal fees alone… We’re in survival mode right now. The 42 percent tax increase, the infrastructure that needs work, and the lack of reserves – it’s unsustainable.”
These concerns are amplified by the potential economic benefits of dissolving the municipality. Gerald Whalley, the SRD Area A director for the neighbouring Sayward Valley, believes residents could see significant savings. “Their advantage would be economic,” Whalley explained. “They would save the money currently spent on roads and snow plowing, which would become the province’s responsibility. Legal fees would also be eliminated.”
The Regional District Option: A Potential Solution?
If the dissolution is approved, Sayward would no longer operate as an independent municipality. Instead, it would fall under the jurisdiction of the Strathcona Regional District, represented by the Sayward Valley director. This shift in governance could also lead to savings related to the Kelesy Centre, the village’s pool and gym, which currently operates with limited hours and relies heavily on volunteer efforts.
A Rare Occurrence: Provincial Approval Required
However, dissolving a municipality in British Columbia is a remarkably rare event. As B.C.’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Christine Boyle, noted, “Outside of Jumbo as an exceptional example, there hasn’t been a dissolution of a municipality in B.C. since the 1920s.” The Jumbo Glacier Mountain Resort Municipality dissolved in 2021, but it was a unique case, lacking a population and significant assets. Prior to that, Phoenix, a former mining town, was the last B.C. municipality to dissolve, back in 1921.
Boyle emphasized that any dissolution would require extensive public engagement and a thorough review of existing governance structures. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation in Sayward.
What’s Next for Sayward?
Organizers are preparing to submit their petitions to the province in the coming weeks, hoping to see a vote for a single regional district director – rather than an entire municipal council – in the October election. The future of Sayward hangs in the balance, as residents weigh the challenges of maintaining municipal independence against the potential benefits of regional governance.
Stay Informed
For more information on the Sayward dissolution movement, you can visit CHEK News.
Related Article: Sayward council dysfunction continues with second councillor resignation
Reporting by Kendall Hanson, CHEK News
