Backgrounder: Resolution on Best Practices for Standing Committee Selection

At the January 16th 2024 Council Meeting, Council passed the following Committee of the Whole motion from Councillor Rogers:

THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the Mayor establish an ad hoc committee to engage citizens with respect to how they think Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act and Bill 47 Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act will impact the Town. (COW-58-23) Under section 141 (1) of the Community Charter, the Mayor has the authority to select members to a Standing Committee.
At that meeting, I, Councillor MacKenzie, expressed a desire to see the selection for this Standing Committee to include consideration for members from different neighbourhoods, demographics and perspectives.
Recently an email was sent identifying the membership of the Mayor’s New Standing Committee on Housing Legislation Impact. The membership includes:
- At least 50% of members from the same neighborhood;
- Only 1 woman (16%);
- 5/6 members that have publicly expressed opposition to the provincial housing legislation.
It is best practice in policy writing to engage a diversity of stakeholders.
The Town of View Royal values a corporate culture that is transparent, diverse and inclusive.
Currently, Standing Committee selection is not reflective of these best practices and values.