The CRD Board recently decided in a 12-10 vote to allow North Saanich to move forward with a Regional Context Statement (RCS) amendment that would significantly alter our Official Community Plan. This amendment initiates urban intensification in our community by encouraging the construction over the next five years of 520 new housing units in two areas of North Saanich.
The CRD Board heard dozens of speakers, and received over 220 letters from North Saanich residents. An overwhelming 97 per cent of them were opposed to this amendment. This council majority did not campaign on this level of urbanization and therefore has no mandate to proceed with this RCS amendment without an OCP review.
North Saanich residents have clearly indicated that we want an OCP review before such significant changes are made to our community.
A public hearing on Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre is our last chance to let council know that the voters will take a dim view of any councillor who supports this amendment.
It is critical that North Saanich residents show up in force to make that message clear.
Bernadette Greene
North Saanich
