Saanich Councillor and CRD Board Chair Colin Plant

CALL? I acknowledge I have been quieter on social media recently regarding local govt as I'm currently teaching full-time, as well as directing our school musical, an upcoming school play and planning for their live-streaming during COVID. However, my cell is 250-514-1439 and we can always talk about how I have voted or local issues. If I don't pick up I'm in a meeting or the classroom, but I will call back.... We can even talk about how disappointing the Canucks season is. (Unless you're a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, then please don't call to gloat). :) -C

Love this quote: Never look down on someone unless it is to admire their shoes. Fits my political ideology that everyone matters and everyone has something to contribute.... My other favourite (and my email signature) is from Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

The decision last week to invite local First Nations to help form decisions of the CRD Board by participating on our advisory committees was an important step in our relationships and towards reconciliation.

ARTS FACILITIES IN CRD POST: During the past 8 months the CRD has been undertaking a community consultation process where we have been discussing the future (and current) needs of our region's arts facilities needs as well as exploring partnerships. On Wednesday this week the Regional Arts Facilities Select Committee will be reviewing the consultant's report and forwarding it to the board.... If you are interested (whether newly or you have been a part of this discussion) you can read the consultant and staff report here: https://www.crd.bc.ca//20210/2021-01-13agendapkgrafsc.pdf If you would like to address the committee or the CRD Board about the report, you can do that as well. Just message me and I can explain how to do so. I am hopeful to get as many arts-interested citizens in the region to see this report so please feel free to share this post. Any questions or comments, please reach out!

12 Days of Saanich: A Plant Family production! I'm thinking this may be a one time only video...

To everyone who follows this page and connects here I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy(er) New Year! I thank you for your support and feedback on issues that help shape our community. -Colin

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION: IT'S BACK ON THE TABLE The CRD Board identified Transportation and Housing as strategic priorities for this term. We have made good progress building affordable housing (Regional Housing First program and more recently Rapid Housing Initiative), but we have more to do on the transportation front. ... After the Committee of the Whole meeting earlier this December and seeing our Board debate/discuss the topic: I'm confident we will. If anyone wonders why we have waited to act, I'd offer that we were hopeful the South Island Transportation Strategy was going to be a catalyst for action + governance review. However, while full of good ideas, it did not provide an active vision, nor address governance. If you'd like to watch the Committee of the Whole meeting we had on December 9th, review here: http://crd.ca.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php *Please note: the topic also continued in the afternoon during the regular monthly Board meeting. That can be viewed here (jump to item 8.2): http://crd.ca.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php Committee of the Whole meeting agenda here: https://www.crd.bc.ca//20201209/2020-12-09agendapkgcow.pdf Comments/feedback always welcome.

Winter staycation activity?