Tahsis Council Faces Backlash Over Public Meeting Notifications

UPDATE: Tahsis Council is under fire following a contentious meeting on October 21, 2023, where residents expressed frustration over inadequate notification of public meetings. A local resident revealed that he learned about a crucial public meeting regarding the Official Community Plan only hours before it began, raising serious concerns about transparency.

During the meeting, the resident stated, “This information was only posted on the website a week ago, and I only accidentally discovered it at the village office just an hour before the meeting concluded.” He emphasized the need for more robust communication, insisting that residents should receive notifications via direct mail, personal delivery, or phone calls well in advance of any public hearing.

The resident also highlighted a lack of notice for a July consultation on Phase Three of the flood barrier project, claiming this oversight violates regulations under the Community Charter. “Posting a notice at the village office or on the website is inadequate,” he asserted.

In response, Mayor Martin Davis defended the council’s current notification practices, referencing a bylaw called the Alternative Means of Publishing Notices. “This bylaw was adopted to meet section 94 of the Community Charter,” Davis explained, adding that notices must also be published in the nearest newspaper, which he noted is the Campbell River Mirror.

Despite the legal compliance, the mayor admitted he could not recall all the required notice venues but mentioned the post office as another option. He encouraged the concerned resident to submit a letter suggesting improvements for communication. Davis also noted that while an online blog, Tahsis Living, has been created for council updates, he acknowledged that not everyone engages with such platforms.

The resident pushed back, saying he does not use blogs for information. “There hasn’t been any notices in the mail during that time period,” he countered, highlighting a significant gap in communication.

Mayor Davis further explained the challenges of notifying all residents directly, stating, “It would cost a substantial amount of money and staff time to deliver notices individually.” He suggested that continuous mail-outs would require additional staffing, which may not be feasible.

As residents await further clarification on how the council will address these concerns, the urgency for more effective communication methods is palpable. Local citizens are anxious for a resolution that ensures they are informed about public meetings and critical community projects.

WHAT’S NEXT: Residents are encouraged to engage with the council to propose solutions for better public notification systems. The council’s next steps remain uncertain as community members seek accountability and transparency in local governance. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.