METRO VANCOUVER \u2014 Metro Vancouver is seeking provincial approval for changes to the size of the Regional District Board that could see it reduced by nearly 25 per cent in the next term, taking it from 45 directors to 34.<\/p>\n
\u201cMetro Vancouver has taken a really thoughtful process for finding strong options for reducing the size of the board and improving the organization\u2019s governance,\u201d said Mike Hurley, chair of the Metro Vancouver Boards, in a statement. \u201cThe option that we are putting forward would ensure that all municipalities continue to have proportional representation at the table, but it also reduces board size and helps with efficiency. We heard clearly through engagement that achieving meaningful change is important.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to a release, the board voted in favour of capping the number of directors at three per member jurisdiction while maintaining weighted voting.<\/p>\n
Under this model, the size of the boards would grow more slowly over time, not even reaching the current size by the year 2050. If the change for the Regional District Board is approved by the province, the size and structure will automatically apply to Metro Vancouver\u2019s water, sewerage and drainage, and housing corporation boards once enacted.<\/p>\n
Metro Vancouver will also:<\/p>\n
Advance a select committee called \u201cthe Major Projects Oversight Board:\u201d This body would provide enhanced governance and oversight of Metro Vancouver\u2019s largest and most complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. It would be made up of both elected officials and externally appointed directors with technical expertise in infrastructure delivery. The board will receive more information in the coming months for decision, the release notes.
\nMove towards a single sewerage area: Throughout the engagement period, there was strong support for moving from four sewerage areas to one sewerage area through a managed, staged transition. This would bring it in line with the single water area.<\/p>\n
As part of Deloitte Canada\u2019s independent review of Metro Vancouver\u2019s board governance, potential changes to size and structure were recommended to support improved governance.<\/p>\n
The options were presented to the public from April to June and engagement took place with the board directors, elected officials from across the region, provincial representatives, member jurisdiction staff, local First Nations and the public.<\/p>\n