By Alisa Howlett/News staff
The District of Central Saanich is currently seeking a new Director of Planning and Building Services after the current planner’s contract was ended early.
Bruce Greig’s last day with the District was Monday, June 19, six months short of when his contract was to end. He was hired on for a five-year contract in December 2012, taking over for Hope Burns, who had been an employee of the District for 12 years. Greig joined the District in 2005 as Assistant Planner and was promoted to District Planner in 2011.
As for the reason Greig’s contract came to an early end, Chief Administrative Officer Patrick Robins said, “We don’t comment on personnel matters.”
Mayor Ryan Windsor said he had no comment when asked if there was language in Greig’s contract that indicated the contract could be terminated early.
Robins said the District is now recruiting for a full-time staff member, not a contract planner.
Windsor said he had no comment on if Greig would be welcome to apply for the new position.
Both Robins and Windsor had no comment in response to being asked if the amount of developments on the Peninsula warrant a full-time staff member versus a contract planner.
The PNR reached out to local developer Tim Hackett with Marigold Lands Ltd. to ask about his working experiences with Greig.
“We thought it was very odd that his contract was shortened. I’ve seen it happen before where there’s a difference in philosophy with council and their planning staff – where they’re at odds and they’ll fire a planner – but there’s solid support between him and council. He supported good development; they know there’s not a lot of land left and they know they have to provide density where they can,” Hackett said, adding he’s been in the business 40 years and he’s never dealt with anybody better than Greig.
Hackett said his development at the former site of Marigold Nurseries on Lochside Drive is well underway, however, and an interim planner shouldn’t slow progress.
In response to his early termination, Greig said, “It’s fair to ask Patrick Robins if you have questions. See how they want to answer your questions.”
