Letters

I wish to express my deep dismay at the recent proposal to redevelop the Cedarwood Motel property by Chard Development and GMC Projects.

Sidney’s seaside character is under threat. The enormous five-storey buildings proposed to replace the quiet Cedarwood motel on Lochside Drive would loom over the adjacent residential neighbourhood. But the many downsides to this project are not just local neighbourhood issues – they affect all Sidney residents and visitors.

I would like to thank the gentleman who went along Mowat Street clearing the storm drains of leaves on Monday morning. It shows there are a lot of good people still around looking after neighbors.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the emergency staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital who helped to support Bruce Williams in October. Your professional presence and compassionate care were extraordinary. Thank you for providing him with such a gentle journey in his final days.

I would like to comment on the article of Nov. 4 “Police board approves electric bikes for patrol.” The writer more correctly could have titled the same article “Police board turns its back on climate concerns.”

Nov. 25 marks the launch of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence that begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on Dec. 10, the International Human Rights Day. The 16 Days campaign has been used as an organizing strategy around the world since 1991 to call for elimination of all forms of gender-based violence.

Sometime in the future…

The public notice regarding the creation of a new zone in Langford didn’t mention there would be no height restrictions on buildings. Since May 2020, Langford has reached out to developers for input on details for the city centre zones that council was considering. In that year from initial staff report to public hearing, there were no requests for residents’ input through open houses, information sessions, or surveys.

On one hand, I am delighted about council’s decision regarding the Sidney wharf but on the other, I am frustrated that council cannot think outside the box when it comes to how to fund the inevitable replacement.

It’s time to speak up. Residents need to know that it’s time to bell the cat. I’ve watched this council’s activities and what was puzzling at the start of its term, has become a pattern of considerable concern. What’s happening? Who is driving the bus? Where is the mayor in all this? It has become clear to me that the agenda is being driven mainly by the administration, possibly in concert with others who have their own objectives.