Sooke Town Council rejected provincial guidance on two environmental and planning initiatives. Both of these programs addressed the increasing problems of growing urban sprawl and environmental pollution.
The first was a program that would require the construction industry and developers to apply standards that reduce emissions in all new home construction. There is evidence-based research from countries around the world that burning methane gas in homes increases emissions as well as causes significant health problems, particularly for children. Council was split on asking staff to investigate its adoption and the motion was defeated. Many cities and towns on the Island have implemented the program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build better, pollution-free new homes. The program would cost taxpayers nothing.
The second rejection was the province’s zoning initiative to increase housing supply and reduce the environmental impact of urban sprawl. The initiative would increase housing density in town centres, reduce long-term road maintenance costs and make transit use more efficient. Earlier this fall, the province denied the town council’s request for an exemption from the initiative.
Council has again rejected the provincial program although its participation is not negotiable. It is bewildering that our town rejected the provincial programs. We need grants from other levels of government for our transportation, environmental and social problems not grandstanding and developer appeasement.
William Wallace
Sooke
