Freedom of Information – Page 4

November 20, 2025

An Expensive Party: Victoria Employee flew to Nashville and back, to hang out with developers at their “Social Event”. Cost to the taxpayer: almost $2000

An Expensive Party: Victoria Employee flew to Nashville and back, to hang out with developers at their “Social Event”. Cost to the taxpayer: almost $2000 By Sasha IzardNov 19, 2025 Earlier, I wrote the following article: Plane Flights and Helijets,… Continue reading

November 8, 2025

The Municipal Finance Authority reveals how much it paid UBCM as sponsorship for the 2024 keynote address at which George Stromboulopoulos spoke. UBCM however, continues to stonewall.

The Municipal Finance Authority reveals how much it paid UBCM for sponsorship of the 2024 keynote address by George Stromboulopoulos. UBCM however, continues to stonewall. By Sasha IzardNov 8, 2025 This fall, I’ve been writing a whole series of articles… Continue reading

November 7, 2025

District of Saanich: “I have determined that while the records concerning the Procurement Law Office may be of interest to you, there is not evidence to indicate this matter has an impact on the wider community.” – The Procurement Law Office’s advice was cited at a council meeting as justification to award senior district staff the ability to award millions in contracts without the approval of elected officials.

District of Saanich: “I have determined that while the records concerning the Procurement Law Office may be of interest to you, there is not evidence to indicate this matter has an impact on the wider community.” – The Procurement Law… Continue reading

October 27, 2025

No Transparency: The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) denies that it is subject to Freedom of Information legislation.

No Transparency: The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) denies that it is subject to Freedom of Information legislation. UBCM wrote to me this morning: “Please be advised that the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) legislation does… Continue reading

October 26, 2025

How is it that BC Housing’s Provincial Director of Redevelopment has simultaneously been the Director of a branch of BC’s most powerful lobbying organization for real estate and development interests? And why were they made administrator of BC Housing’s paid membership in that same branch of that same lobbying organization?

How is it that BC Housing’s Provincial Director of Redevelopment has simultaneously been the Director of a branch of BC’s most powerful lobbying organization for real estate and development interests? And why were they made administrator of BC Housing’s paid… Continue reading

October 25, 2025

How much was George Stroumboulopoulos paid, for being Keynote Speaker for the 2024 UBCM Conference?

How much was George Stroumboulopoulos paid, for being Keynote Speaker for the 2024 UBCM Conference? The Municipal Finance Authority (MFA), denies that it paid any money to George Stroumboulopoulos, despite that the MFA was listed as his sponsor as Keynote… Continue reading

October 11, 2025

Petition that Section 13 of British Columbia’s Freedom of Information Legislation FOIPPA be removed.

Petition that Section 13 of British Columbia’s Freedom of Information Legislation FOIPPA be removed. Petition link: https://www.change.org/p/that-section-13-of-british-columbia-s-freedom-of-information-legislation-foippa-be-removed Text of the petition: We the signed, in the interests of true transparency and democracy, call upon the Province of British Columbia to… Continue reading

September 20, 2025

Sooke’s Director of Corporate Services denied that a document showing who was responsible for renewing the District’s UDI membership (in contravention of a council motion) was in the District’s custody and control. Now after much of the year has passed, I have a copy.

Sooke’s Director of Corporate Services denied that a document showing who was responsible for renewing the District’s UDI membership (in contravention of a council motion) was in the District’s custody and control. Now after much of the year has passed,… Continue reading

September 9, 2025

Erick Villagomez’ analyses of an FOI response from a CRD Watch investigation provides a stark window onto the Vancouver Broadway Plan, the Housing Bills, and the private interests who have been benefitting from massive Provincial intervention into the local government sphere.

Erick Villagomez’ analyses of an FOI response from a CRD Watch investigation provides a stark window onto the Vancouver Broadway Plan, the Housing Bills, and the private interests who have been benefitting from massive Provincial intervention into the local government… Continue reading

September 6, 2025

Letter sent to Victoria’s Mayor and Council and City Manager’s office, regarding the City’s potential withdrawal from the UDI development/real estate lobby.

Letter sent to Victoria’s Mayor and Council and City Manager’s office, regarding the City’s potential withdrawal from the UDI development/real estate lobby. By Sasha IzardSept 6, 2025 2 days ago on Sept 4, 2025 – Victoria’s City Council deliberated on… Continue reading

September 1, 2025

Housing need in a proposed update to the City of Victoria Official Community Plan (OCP) – make them up as they go? City staff and the Development Lobby discussed potentially shifting goal posts in the future.

Housing need in a proposed update to the City of Victoria Official Community Plan (OCP) – make them up as they go? City staff and the Development Lobby discussed potentially shifting goal posts in the future. “It is a goal… Continue reading