Metro Vancouver’s governance committee met on Thursday to prepare a review of the board’s size and structure following concerns that it is simply too big to be efficient.
The organization provides utility services, including wastewater and drinking water, throughout the region.
It also sets a plan for urban growth, manages some parks, and runs a housing corporation.
Last year, a Deloitte review of Metro Vancouver’s governance structure described the 41-member board as “large and unwieldy.”
Deloitte made 41 recommendations for reform, including addressing payments for travel and board member stipends of $1,094 for attending meetings that exceed four hours.
The report also recommended establishing a new board structure that can provide more effective governance and oversight.
The audit was ordered amid a series of problems, including a $3.5-billion hike in the anticipated cost to finish the Northshore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Following its review, the governance committee is expected to put forward recommendations for changes at a meeting in July.
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“There’s no question that the size of the board is too big today and it’s only going to grow,” Delta councillor Dylan Kruger told Global News.
“The board size is linked to the population of Metro Vancouver; the more people that move to Metro Vancouver, the more board members we are going to get. If we don’t make some serious and systemic changes now, this board will grow to more than 50 members in the next 10 years.”
Kruger said he thinks the number of directors should be less than half of what they have today.
Much of the meeting on Thursday was held in camera so directors could discuss a possible investigation into leaked information.
The investigation is being promoted by board chair Mike Hurley in response to Global News informing the public that the utility’s top three executives are either terminated, facing possible suspension, or on leave.
If an investigation does proceed, it’s unclear how much it would cost the taxpayer.
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