Based on coverage from CBC, CHEK, and My Campbell River Now.
Sayward's Legal Move to Alter Council Quorum
In a bid to navigate its ongoing political turmoil, the Village of Sayward on Vancouver Island has taken the unusual step of seeking legal permission to reduce its council quorum from three to two. This legal petition, filed with the B.C. Supreme Court, aims to enable the council to function amidst a tangled web of lawsuits and internal conflicts. The village, home to about 350 residents, argues that this change is crucial for restoring order and allowing the council to fulfill its duties effectively.
The heart of the issue lies in allegations against two councillors, Scott Burchett and Sue Poulsen, who are accused of leaking confidential information and collaborating with a former chief administrative officer, John French, to criticize Mayor Mark Baker and other senior staff. The village's legal filing suggests that these actions have paralyzed council operations, leaving only two of the five council members free from conflicts of interest related to ongoing legal disputes.
Financial Strain and Governance Challenges
Sayward's challenges extend beyond political dysfunction. Financially, the village is on shaky ground, with assets under $2 million and a heavy reliance on government grants. The village's legal expenses have skyrocketed, with a budgeted $20,000 in 2024 ballooning to over $105,000 due to ongoing disputes. This financial strain is compounded by the village's history of high turnover in leadership, having cycled through seven chief administrative officers and five mayors in just six years.
The provincial government has intervened by appointing an advisor to help address governance issues, but progress has been slow. The village's petition to the court is seen as a necessary step to regain stability and continue pursuing its strategic priorities, including economic development and asset management.
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Community Reaction and Future Implications
The move to alter the quorum has sparked mixed reactions within the community. Some residents, like Jess Bennett, express frustration over the lack of transparency and the council's focus on legal battles rather than pressing local issues. Meanwhile, Councillor Burchett has filed a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, claiming that the village has spent significant resources to suppress the truth about council activities.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has acknowledged Sayward's ongoing challenges and has provided support through a municipal advisor. However, the village's future remains uncertain as it waits for the court's decision. If the Supreme Court approves the petition, it could pave the way for legal action against Burchett and Poulsen for alleged misconduct.
In the meantime, Sayward's residents and officials are left to navigate a complex landscape of legal, financial, and governance challenges, with the village's long-term stability hanging in the balance.
