What is an Alternative Approval Process?
When local governments need to borrow funds or make certain significant decisions outside of a general election year, they may use an Alternative Approval Process (AAP). This provincially legislated process allows eligible electors to voice their opposition to a proposal by submitting an Elector Response Form.
The AAP response period will begin on May 8, 2025 and end on June 6, 2025. Elector Response Forms will be available starting on April 29, 2025.
AAPs can be used for a variety of municipal matters, including:
- Extending municipal boundaries
- Borrowing funds for infrastructure projects
- Establishing new municipal services
Adjusting parkland dedication requirements
Why Does Comox Use AAPs?
- The Town of Comox is using an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for the proposed boundary extension because it's a provincially legislated method that allows municipalities to obtain elector approval for certain actions without holding a full referendum.
Here's why AAP is being used in this case:
1. Legislative Requirement
- Under Section 20 of the Local Government Act and Section 86 of the Community Charter, municipal boundary extensions require the approval of electors before proceeding. AAP is one of the approved methods to gauge that support.
2. Efficient & Cost-Effective
- AAP provides a streamlined and less expensive way for the Town to measure public opposition, compared to holding a full referendum. It saves both time and taxpayer dollars while still meeting legal requirements for public consent.
3. Silent Support Model
- Instead of asking residents to vote “yes,” the AAP assumes support unless 10% or more of eligible electors submit written opposition. In Comox’s case, that means if 1,258 or more electors submit signed Elector Response Forms by June 6, 2025, the Town cannot proceed without a referendum.
4. Administrative Simplicity for Non-Financial Decisions
While AAP is often used for borrowing and service changes, it's also appropriate for non-financial matters like a boundary extension—particularly where no direct tax increase or service change is immediately involved, and the change is primarily jurisdictional.
Summary of the Current AAP - The Town is using the AAP for the boundary extension to meet legislative requirements, minimize costs and efficiently engage the public on a jurisdictional matter that does not require a traditional vote unless significant opposition is expressed.
Proposed Municipal Boundary Extension
The Town of Comox is proposing to extend its boundaries to include:
- North ½ of Lot 20, District Lot 186, Plan 449 (PID 001-095-544)
- Lot A, District Lot 186, Plan 24247 (PID 002-992-647 – 480 Torrence Road)
- North ½ of the South ½ of Lot 20, District Lot 186, Plan 449 (PID 009-047-671 – 456 Torrence Road)
If you are an eligible elector and oppose this proposal, you may submit an Elector Response Form by:
Deadline: Friday, June 6, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
Submit to: Town Hall – 1809 Beaufort Avenue, Comox, BC V9M 1R9
Or Email: town@comox.ca