Amalgamation town Hall Wednesday night

Amalgamation between Victoria and Saanich is in focus this week.

A town hall Wednesday night at Victoria High School will feature some experts on blending communities.

Peter Mcleod, the consultant who helped Duncan and North Cowichan thru their citizens' assembly process, will be present.

Patricia Ross, a seven term councillor for the City of Abbotsford, will also share her expertise.

The District of Abbotsford amalgamated with the District of Matsqui in 1994,  to become the City of Abbotsford.

Ross says the 'we are better than you mentality' dissipated quickly during amalgation 25 years ago:

"I actually dug up an old survey put out by the Chamber of Commerce, that show 94 percent of council and 70 percent of residents were in favour. So I'm going to talk about some of the reasons they had in favour, and opposed, and what happened 24 years later. Were the fears justified and did the economic reasons pan out like they'd hoped."

Ross added, "Since amalgamation, we have consistantly been named one of the fastest growing economies in Canada. I don't think that's a coincidence."

On Monday night, Saanich Council agreed to include a ballot question at the Oct. 20 municipal election.

Victoria council's discussion on the ballot subject happens Thursday night.

The amalgamation discussion between Victoria and Saanich has been going for more than 80 years.