How much can a city council consult?

I just submitted this piece as my monthly column for the Senior Connector.

At the July 11^th Council meeting, an issue arose which prompted discussion on this important question. Frances Vyse, from the Valleyview Community Association, shared with us the association's "outrage" about the BC Summer Games mountain bike course.

The association found out this mountain bike course, located in a city park just beside the Valleyview arena, "by chance", after the decision had been made, and is very concerned about the impact of increased mountain biking activity in the area.

I value the time and energy that the Valleyview Community Association must have expended on their presentation. I also value the totally excellent effort of the BC Summer Games committee.

So I made a motion that, after the Games, City Council should not sanction anymore competitions (of any kind) until we have consulted with the various groups who have an interest in using the park in question. This would include the community association, and it also would include mountain bikers, race organizers from a variety of sports, and anybody else who felt they wanted to be involved.

After much discussion, however, council as a whole voted against the motion. Out of the many different thoughts that emerged from the discussion, one was particularly interesting to me. This was the contention that because we were talking about an operational city recreational "facility", that it would be too onerous to consult with all the stakeholders.

I agree that full consultation presents real challenges. When do you stop consulting and start deciding? Would individuals and groups understand that consultation does not necessarily mean council would go along with everything suggested? There are so many users of Kamloops' park network – how would you accommodate them all?

Still, one of my core beliefs is that elected representatives should be constantly consulting.

I would be most interested in reader thoughts on this issue. Was my motion an exercise in frustration? Or was it the right motion at the right time?

Comments

[D Law]

Your motion was important. An exercise in frustration? Yes, also that --you are on *Kamloops* Council after all --it is not one well versed in democracy.

Even though it was voted down, it is important that you are standing up for democracy. It may lead to eventual change. (Even if it doesn't, one must do what one can.)

Thank you for believing in 'the common citizen' and for taking these stands.

[Mike Maddison]

Definitely a good and important motion in the support of a democratic environment. Democracy has it's positives and negatives much like anything in our world, and one of which is that councils are expected to represent the people. Your motion clearly indicates and reflects the people of Kamloops' desire to be represented.

The fact the motion was voted down is understandable. As a business person, I understand that there are many times when we just need to cut to the chase and get things done. Too much time spent deliberating and consulting can bring any process to a halt, resulting in an inability to grow and adapt to the changing needs of our people.

Effectively balancing what issues need to be consulted with citizens and what issues must be handled solely by the elected representatives is dangerous, but it is necessary. I am happy to know that you would put forth an appropriate motion on behalf of us citizens.

[Norris L]

We need to start building up , we are quickly running out of room . the is not the 1840's anymore and alot of people need to see that .