THURSDAY November 28, 2013 Vol. 28 • No.96 ••• $1.25 inc. G.S.T.
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Amalgamate, say four ex-mayors Phelps, Webber, Bates and Moncrief argue in favour – current mayors do not agree
well as people who are big-picture thinkers. It’s just common sense.” Bates says Moncrief, who is dealing with health issues, fought for years to keep Cumberland separate. Recently, however, he has realized the only way for the village to thrive is to become part Scott Stanfield of a larger entity. Record Staff “He came to recognize that it A quartet of former Comox Val- doesn’t make sense to have all ley mayors are calling on the three municipalities as well as Province to amalgamate the three the CVRD going hat in hand to local municipalities and a large Victoria and Ottawa for various grants when one stronger voice area of the regional district. Former Cumberland mayors would be heeded,” said Bates, who Fred Bates and Bronco Moncrief, claims there is little opposition and former Courtenay mayors because most people feel there Ron Webber and Greg Phelps is too much government in the Valley. want immeThe three diate action Their primary role current mayrather than ors have a more study. would be to transition into different take “The tim- one larger, more effective on the issue. ing is perfect,” For one thing, says Bates, group. This would take spesays Comox noting amal- cial skills as well as people Mayor Paul g a m a t i o n who are big-picture thinkers. Ives, the Comwould make munity Charthe Valley the It’s just common sense. third-largest Greg Phelps ter does not allow for manIsland municipality. “If the Province led the dated amalgamation. “Unless the Province is going to amalgamation process starting immediately, we could go to the change its legislation, it’s somepolls next November and elect the thing that’s going to require more first truly regional government of a consensus-based approach,” he said. “At this point, to ask the for the area.” The mayors envision an elected Province to essentially legislate a body comprised of three Courte- shotgun wedding I don’t think is nay councillors, two from Comox, a wise move.” Ives recalls amalgamation was one from Cumberland, one from areas of the CVRD and two at- voted down in 1999. Courtenay large councillors. The mayor was in favour while Comox was would be elected at large or by against, as were outlying areas. Cumberland was not part of it at the entire Valley. “Their primary role would be the time. Ives said the former mayors’ to transition into one larger, more effective group,” Phelps said. idea does not include a business“This would take special skills as ... see COMOX ■ A3
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MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION and Infrastructure Todd Stone, front left, visits the Dove Creek Bridge with Comox Valley MLA Don McRae, and local government leaders, back from left, Comox Mayor Paul Ives, Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula, Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird and Comox Valley Regional District chair Edwin Grieve. PHOTO BY RENEE ANDOR
Merits of North Connector strong Renee Andor Record Staff
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone says the proposed project to replace the Dove Creek Bridge and strengthen the Comox Val-
ley’s north connection to the Inland Island Highway will happen. “The merits of this project are very, very strong, and it’s not a matter of ‘if’ it’s a matter of ‘when,’ “ Stone said Tuesday as he and local government lead-
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