A commentary by a member of Victoria city council.

When last June, Victoria city council voted to send the new Crystal Pool proposal to a public referendum, I assumed city staff would ensure the city took a neutral stand, allowing the public to decide.

Hence, to my surprise, I saw a bus shelter ad from the City of Victoria reading: “A more ­accessible, sustainable, modern, more inclusive, bigger ­Crystal Pool and Wellness ­Centre.”

After I voiced my concern, I was even more surprised to see a half-page ad in the Times ­Colonist, with the same statement touting the wonders of this project.

I have subsequently found out these kinds of ads and promotions from the city will continue. All at taxpayers’ expense.

A new facility will certainly be “more accessible, sustainable, modern and more inclusive,” however, the referendum on Saturday, Feb. 8, is not asking Victoria voters if that statement is true or false.

It is asking Victoria residents if this particular plan is worth funding.

In my opinion, as a sole councillor, not speaking for the City of Victoria, if I........

© Times Colonist