Ten South Vancouver Island mayors have ramped up their call for action, sending a joint letter to Premier David Eby, expressing deep frustration over the province’s handling of police dispatch costs.
This follows an earlier letter to Public Safety Minister Garry Begg. The mayors, including Rob Douglas of North Cowichan and Michelle Staples of Duncan, are demanding full transitional funding as the south island communities affected face a $4.9 million bill for E-Comm dispatch services starting April 2025, with costs expected to rise further in 2026.
They warn of property tax increases between 2.7 and 6 percent and are calling for fair funding, proper consultations, and a telecom levy to help offset the financial burden as the province continues its review of 911 services.
