Opinion

“You belong here” is a motto that all of Saanich parks, recreation and community services representatives follow in their daily planning, coordinating, thinking and approach to public service for the community.

All politicians achieve office by virtue of the will of those who cast of the majority of votes. Once elected they serve the interests of those who voted for them, those who did not, those who chose not to vote, and those interests which have no vote.

Affordable or not affordable? Accessible or not accessible? Densification or no further densification?

Saanich has seen a significant increase in visitors – both human and canine – to our 172 parks over several years. This is great news! However, we need to balance the needs of all park users, mitigate any potential negative situations involving dogs and continue to respect the environment. A balanced approach ensures everyone enjoys their experience.

The extreme overreach of Saanich’s proposed leashing recommendations is not supported by any part of the People, Pets and Parks strategy. Environments, trail etiquette, waste, appropriate enforcement and education all can be addressed effectively, less expensively and in ways the community can support without the leash changes.

Many of Saanich’s People, Pets and Parks Strategy recommendations should be supported. These include defining ‘under control’ clearly, improved waste management, more and better education, fencing some of the ecologically sensitive areas, clear signage, education and training along with appropriate enforcement and evaluation processes.

I disagree with Saanich’s draft proposal’s key recommendations requiring dogs to be on leash at all times except in designated leash-optional parks. If Saanich is going to change this bylaw then there needs to be a greater amount of off-leash areas available than what they have currently proposed.

With the Saanich council meeting scheduled for June 26, I am compelled to write to you as a matter of great urgency to vehemently oppose the Saanich People, Pets, and Parks draft strategy plan.

Kudos to Sidney council for listening to the residents and putting the plans for the bike lanes on the back burner for now. It is so refreshing to live in a place where council actually pays attention to what the people want. We lived in Victoria for 20 years and that is certainly not the case there. Keep up the good work.

Re: the column “Time for the revenge of Gen-X and the Millennials?”