Saratoga Beach Mosquito Managment AAP
Between June 3 and July 5, 2021 an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) was held to seek elector approval for the establishment of a mosquito control program in the Saratoga Beach area.
Background
Following several seasons of resident reports of recurrent adult mosquito nuisance, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) was approached by the Saratoga and Miracle Beach Residents Association to investigate the potential creation of a regional district service to provide mosquito control. Several studies were carried out which indicated the potential for a mosquito control program within a selected area to be undertaken in accordance with an Pest Management Plan (PMP). The establishment of a formal mosquito management service and PMP provides the regional district with the authority to undertake such activities as well as ensure adequate expertise and resources.
The proposed maximum requisition to fund the service was the greater of $36,800 or $0.09638 per $1,000 of assessed value which would be equivalent to $48.19 for a property with an assessed value of $500,000. This does not mean that taxes for this service would increase to the maximum available as financial plans are adopted annually based on the service needs at the time. Rather, this created the flexibility for the service to respond to public expectations and demands over time.
Results
| Number of Eligible Electors | 10% Threshold (Eligible Electors) | Elector Response Forms Accepted | Percent of Elector Response Forms |
| 1,083 | 108 | 24 | 2.22% |
In order for the CVRD to proceed with the final adoption of Bylaw No. 638, less than 10 per cent of the electors in the service area would have had to submit an elector response form. The results of the AAP were confirmed in the July 8, 2021 news release.
On July 13, 2021 the CVRD Board of Directors adopted Bylaw No. 638.