The provincial government announced plans to dissolve two Crown corporations, the Provincial Capital Commission and Pacific Carbon Trust, on Tuesday.
The PCC, which has a mandate of promoting and celebrating B.C.'s capital, owns key assets in Victoria including the former CPR Steamship Terminal building, Crystal Garden, St. Ann's Academy and the Tourism Victoria information centre in the Inner Harbour.
Bill Bennett, the minister responsible for core review, said many of the PCC's services are now provided by the B.C. government, making a stand-alone entity no longer necessary. The cabinet decision still requires approval at a legislative session next spring, but the measure will save about $1 million annually, according to government estimates.
Should the measures pass, the ministry of community, sport and cultural development will maintain community outreach programs currently run by the PCC including the Capital for Kids youth travel subsidies, B.C. Youth Parliament and access to the commercial properties currently provided by the commission.
About five PCC staff will be transferred to public service roles within the ministry, said Coralee Oakes, community, sport and cultural development minister.
The Pacific Carbon Trust is also being rolled into the ministry of environment to save about $5.6 million annually. Thirteen staff positions will be eliminated in the move.
Look for more in Friday's Victoria News.