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Muncipalities begin study of regional growth strategy

The unanimous consent of all local governments is needed for adoption.
74864sookeCRD

The Capital Regional District is sending a Regional Growth Strategy draft to local municipal councils for consideration.

The unanimous consent of all local governments is needed for adoption.

And, already, politicians are hedging their bets.

Both Victoria and Highlands have expressed concern about allowing piped water into rural areas, leading to sprawl.

Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director Mike Hicks has been battling for years to ensure the strategy doesn’t block providing piped water to residents in the area.

To protect against sprawl, any extension of water would require, among other approvals, a majority vote of the CRD board.

“There is n question the issue will end up in arbitration,” Hicks said. “In my opinion, the sooner the better.”

Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said while much of the concern over the strategy has focused on water, the document has many other issues that need to be dealt with.