centralizes the last vestiges of local planning autonomy in the
grasp of provincial bureaucrats and the provincial Cabinet and

the Minister very cleverly creates for himself the roie of B.C.'s
“super-mayor'. In the background, the democratic wishes of the
local electorate are shut out as their duly clected council members
are shuffled to the side, legislatively ordered to follow the

wishes of Victoria.

Allegations of centralization, less of local autonomy, and
the: subversion of the democratic process are made in relation to
the proposed Planning Act. True? Be the judge on the facts

”

presented:

By section 3 of the Act local government must conform to
provincial government objectives. Such objectives are not defined

but may be highly restrictive. The Cabinet, by section 4, adopts

provincial plans to which all municipalities must conform.

Centralization?

- Section 11, perhaps the most important of the Act gives the
Minister of Municipal Affairs enormous power, indeed, creates a
‘super-mayor'. The Minister, for example, approves official plans,

a mandatory requirement for all municipalities and regional districts.
Therefore, the Minister can veto any plan that does not suit his )
tastes as to industrial, commercial, residential, recreational or

any component. Due council consideration after due public input

may go for naught. By section 11(9) the Minister is empowered to
ensure that there are clear, efficient and equitable local government
procedures for the consideration and determination of land davelopment
proposals. This section in its Yyenerality gives the Minister, a
‘super-mayor' extraordinary ‘power, Surrey has enacted a serics of
by-laws to ensure not only orderly duvelopment but to ensure that new
development pays for itself that it will not create a new tax charge

upon present taxpayers. However, if land developers lobby the Minister