For those following the past few years of Saanich municipal politics, it has become abundantly clear that council has little respect for OCPs, professional staff employed by the district, taxpayers, neighbourhoods, or, for that matter, democracy itself.
A development on Tyndall Ave., strongly opposed by neighbours and rejected by municipal planners, was bulldozed through by an “all-knowing” council. Numerous multi-storey developments, smack dab in the middle of quiet neighbourhoods, rammed through, regardless of staff recommendations or public input and/or outcry. The multi-million dollar PPP, soundly opposed by a majority, passed unanimously by council, and now we have the AAP.
Last year, Saanich purchased three properties for the planned operations centre, paying $8 million (or roughly 50 per cent) above appraised value. The development is going to happen, and the AAP will be approved regardless of your opposition. Elector response forms will be rejected for myriad reasons: non-representative, incomplete, illegible, received “after the deadline", etc.
Whether you are concerned or apathetic, passionate about your neighbourhood or indifferent, prepare for major tax and utility increases. Saanich Council is determined to make life more unaffordable.
David Kerrigan
Saanich
