At the March 13th 2023 Council Meeting Saanich Council unanimously decided to discontinue Saanich's paid membership with the Urban Development Institute Development Lobby, albeit not without some reservations by some of the councillors.

Among other reasons for the decision, perceived conflict of interest concerns among the public were cited during the deliberations. 

However, by only ending the "formal" relationship between the District and the organization, the decision has been criticized by some as taking one step forward while taking two steps backward.

Ending paid development lobby membership is one thing, but the district still offers councillors a $500 annual allowance each on the taxpayer dime to spend on educating themselves if they so choose at the UDI development lobby.

By discontinuing membership, although an important step, this leaves the ongoing relationship between the municipality and the lobby, less overtly visible to the public and this is not a good thing for government transparency or accountability.

A new petition has been created asking: End the District of Saanich's Collaboration with the Development Lobby.

Please sign this new petition, so that our important work continues so that local democracy can be free from the dangers of potential undue influence from the development lobby.

https://www.change.org/p/end-the-district-of-saanich-s-collaboration-with-the-development-lobby


https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/saanich-bails-on-membership-in-developers-organization-6708103

A new petition has also been created asking the Times Colonist to withdraw its UDI membership and media partner status:

https://www.change.org/p/withdraw-the-times-colonist-from-development-lobby-membership-and-media-partnership/ 

Thank you for all your help!!!! Democracy has won the day.


For more information please contact: SaanichPetition@mail.com