Representatives of a non-profit organization, Foundation for Democratic Advancement (FDA), told residents of Rocky View County that changes need to be made in municipal processes in order to give more voice to the people.
Reeve Rolly Ashdown, who attended the public meeting at the Springbank Heritage Club April 22, said some of the ideas the organization proposed — such as offering residents a referendum for the Bingham Crossing development were “interesting” but said the organization and its plans were still in its “infancy.”
Stephen Garvey, executive director for the FDA, presented the organization’s recent review on the way in which council came to their decision to approve the Bingham Crossing development in Springbank.
Bingham Crossing, a planned retail centre with seniors housing and office space located in Springbank, received final approval from Rocky View County council after a controversial two-day public hearing Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 last year.
“There is an assumption in the province that elected officials represent the people — this is a gross error and undermines democracy,” he said.
He said too much authority is given to elected officials explaining that in order for the public to present a valid petition, they must get at least 20 per cent of the municipality’s support and even then it’s subject to approval from the minister.
He also noted people can ask for a judicial review of a council decision they disagree with but he said it’s difficult to prove in court.
Garvey’s presentation was based on the FDA’s report, which reviewed the impacts of the municipal government processes on democracy, using the Bingham Crossing development process as an example.
Garvey said the public should be able to recall municipal elected officials, something he said isn’t possible anywhere in Canada except in B.C. but that is only at the provincial level, not municipal.
He also said his organization believes there should be a citizen referendum on the Bingham Crossing. He said the report has been sent to the minister of Municipal Affairs but is still awaiting a reply. He also plans to contact political parties to see if they want to bring it up in legislature.
After the meeting, resident Gerard Lucyshyn who drove from Langdon to the event said he believes it’s time for change.
He said decisions made by council don’t align with what people want and said “it’s been a struggle.”
