I too attended the July 8 North Saanich Council meeting but came away with a very different understanding than what was described by Mr. Gee in his letter in the July 25 Peninsula News Review.
I saw no examples of bullying, disrespect or rudeness. Rather a well-run meeting where time was carefully managed so that all speakers could have their three minutes at the podium.
There were about 30 people in the room: several spoke to subdivision, and several to the closing of the pickleball courts at Wain Park.
All members of council listened respectfully.
When more time was needed to accommodate the number of speakers a motion was passed to extend the public participation period.
There was also additional time given to accommodate a 10-minute presentation by Mr. Gee on revisiting the closing of the pickleball courts. Again, all members of council listened respectfully.
Most of the audience left after the public participation period. If they had stayed, they would have seen the council receiving public engagement reports to complete the Official Community Plan.
Council proceedings can be seen here: https://northsaanich.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx.
S. Chandler
North Saanich
