Principles blurred
The North Saanich council meeting of Feb. 18 was notable for its blurring of the principles of democratic due process.
Our Official Community Plan was intended as our District’s guiding document on issues of land use, zoning, development, protection of agricultural heritage and maintenance of the rural and marine character.
Three development proposals were on the agenda. The council majority showed eagerness to ignore our OCP and quickly move ahead on all three. The clear aim was for spot rezoning versus zoning that is consistent with the OCP. Do we really want to cashier planned, gradual, and well-considered development, in favour of unplanned, random and preferential development?
If some councillors find fault with the OCP, the democratic way is to initiate a revision with appropriate community input. With this, the whole community would be deciding on any changes to their vision for the future.
Jack Thornburgh
North Saanich
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