Including public in financial plan suffers setback
Saanich’s goal to bring a better public engagement process into the annual financial plan has been put on hold.
A recent staff report, as ordered, included suggestions as to how the public might be better included in the process and also recommended $74,000 for additional consultation and $20,000 for graphics and design.
But the $94,000 worth of items were not voted on. Instead, council voted for the concept to be reviewed by the Finance, Audit and Personnel standing committee.
“I think we all want to see the budget change but I don’t think we’re there yet, so I’m a little hesitant,” said Coun. Vic Derman, who brought the concept of better public engagement within the financial plan to council in 2014. “This must be frustrating for [staff] to go down a particular course until council decides what changes we want to see.”
The genesis was to better include the public throughout the financial plan, which ends up coming forward as a “draft’ budget that has very little wiggle room, said Derman at the time.
Red Robin ready to renovate
The Red Robin Gourmet Burgers restaurant at 800 Tolmie Ave. has grand plans for a renovation.
To their credit, Red Robin’s architect Tom Moore submitted a thorough development permit application to Saanich, including a reference of adherence to the local area plan and correspondence with the Mount View/Colquitz Community Association.
Passersby will notice a few significant changes to the refit restaurant, which will modernize its exterior with a metallic looking siding and updated patio roof. The colour scheme will change from “stormy night” grey and “coral reef” red to “rocky tundra” grey and “cottage red.”
A new sign will bear the “Red Robin” logo as an illuminated individual channel letter sign in red, with Gourmet Burgers in white “and Brews” in yellow.
Home Depot hiring 32 in Saanich
Home Depot is looking for more than 850 employees in B.C., with 32 openings at its Saanich location.
The Home Depot at 3986 Shelbourne St. is among eight B.C. locations looking for seasonal workers in operational and sales positions. The company is hiring full-time and part-time associates to help customers meet their spring needs.
Candidates interested in working at Home Depot can visit homedepot.ca/jobs to view all current openings.