Why ignore the need for women to access activities that enhance physical and mental health, and remove a space that fosters happiness and inclusion for all ages, especially when the Community Charter emphasizes protecting community well-being, making the preservation of such spaces crucial?
Why decommission a community asset that costs less to maintain than to relocate, disregarding fiscal responsibility and prudent management of public resources, especially when the Community Charter mandates that municipalities provide services for community benefit and ensure stewardship of public assets?
Why, in decision-making processes, ignore science-based research that shows positive outcomes and addresses all concerns, especially when collaboration and community input are district priorities?
Why do some councillors accept the status quo, indicating a reluctance to collaborate and effectively address community needs, especially when this contrasts with the district’s stated goals of good governance, community engagement, accountability, leadership, impartiality, and transparency?
And why can’t the District of North Saanich's mayor and council acknowledge their mistake in pursuing the closure of Wain Park pickleball courts, especially when reversing this decision would not only demonstrate true leadership, as required in the Community Charter, but also reflect strength, respect, and an effort to rebuild trust within the community?
Research from unbiased sources, a plea for collaborative solutions, an offer to halt a pending judicial review, a free mediation offer, and the provision of financial support have all been disregarded. Instead, the focus has shifted to reviewing a relocation of the Wain Park pickleball courts to Blue Heron Park, which is outside the district’s jurisdiction, wasting administrative hours and an estimated $500,000 relocation cost (including sound mitigation studies and installation), instead of allocating less than $30,000 for sound mitigation at the existing courts. This is a significant waste of taxpayers' money, and where is the common sense in all this?
North Saanich residents, I urge you to pay attention to the irresponsible actions of your mayor and council.
Sophie Lauro
North Saanich
