separation of lobby and state
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Setting the record straight with the Times Colonist, on Saanich Council’s refusal to write a letter to the Provincial Government asking for the removal of provincially mandated housing targets for the municipality.
Setting the record straight with the Times Colonist, on Saanich Council’s refusal to write a letter to the Provincial Government asking for the removal of provincially mandated housing targets for the municipality. By Sasha Izard March 18, 2026 Yesterday, I… Continue reading
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The District of North Vancouver has discontinued its UDI membership.
The District of North Vancouver has discontinued its UDI membership. The action marks the first time that a municipality in the Lower Mainland has been observed ending its membership in the lobbying organization. By Sasha IzardMarch 13, 2026 The District… Continue reading
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Inside the UDI scandal and why Victoria had to be pushed to cut ties with its own lobbyists, by Arthur McInnis
Inside the UDI scandal and why Victoria had to be pushed to cut ties with its own lobbyists. Arthur McInnis March 9, 2026 Victoria’s decision to end its membership in the Urban Development Institute (UDI) did not happen in a… Continue reading
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The Township of Esquimalt decided to discontinue its UDI membership.
The Township of Esquimalt decided to discontinue its UDI membership. By Sasha IzardMarch 7, 2026 On March 3, 2026, the City of Victoria withdrew its membership, from the Urban Development Institute (UDI), a registered lobbying organization on the BC Lobbyists… Continue reading
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Parting Mayors: Helps and Murdock pushed for Government Reductions on Development Charges for Purpose-Built Rental Construction, Prior to Leaving Elected Office.
Parting Mayors: Helps and Murdock pushed for Government Reductions on Development Charges for Purpose-Built Rental Construction, Prior to Leaving Elected Office. Their advocacy while in elected office for waiving types of such charges on purpose-built rental constructions, mirrors the advocacy… Continue reading
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The City of Victoria withdraws its UDI lobby membership.
The City of Victoria withdraws its UDI lobby membership. By Sasha IzardMarch 5, 2026 On March 3, 2026 at a Special Committee of the Whole, the City of Victoria’s Mayor and Council decided to discontinue the City’s paid membership with… Continue reading
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The question that the BC Finance Minister doesn’t want to answer.
The question that the BC Finance Minister doesn’t want to answer. By Sasha IzardFeb 21, 2026 The Province of BC led by the BC NDP has been under great duress financially, having observered reductions in credit rating and has been… Continue reading
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Newspaper clippings from the Times Colonist in 1981 reveal that the Housing Crisis scheme has been recycled a generation later.
Newspaper clippings from the Times Colonist in 1981 reveal that the Housing Crisis scheme has been recycled a generation later. By Sasha IzardFeb 8, 2026 The following are excerpts from February 1981 Times Colonist articles: “While many factors have contributed… Continue reading
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I made an FOI request regarding the City Manager’s Office of the City of Victoria, with and regards, the UDI a registered lobbying group for corporate real estate and development interests. The City of Victoria estimates charging me over $700 for that information.
I made an FOI request regarding the City Manager’s Office of the City of Victoria, with and regards, the UDI a registered lobbying group for corporate real estate and development interests. The City of Victoria estimates charging me over $700… Continue reading
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If the City of Victoria renews its UDI development lobby membership in 2026, it will cost $1125 more than last year, an increase of 75% in one year.
If the City of Victoria renews its UDI development lobby membership, it will cost $1125 more than last year, a cost increase of 75% in one year. A council members motion put forth forward by Victoria City Councillors Hammond and… Continue reading
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The UDI’s Fight Club
The UDI’s Fight Club A UDI Boxing class attended by a BC Housing employee, was charged to the taxpayer. Dec 26, 2025By Sasha Izard Today is Boxing Day. As such, it is appropriate to write an article about, well boxing.… Continue reading
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