Saanich residents deserve better than being sidelined on a $150 million decision. I’ve lived in Saanich since 1996 and in the last few years, I’ve watched as money is spent on councillor pet projects and lobby groups' wishes again and again.
When the mayor and councillors get enough pushback, they retreat, but usually only if they need to come up with a new strategy that fits their end goal. Having a relationship with all residents, and not just a favourite few, leads to an engaged and respectful community. This alternative approval process opt-out approach to budget approval for a massive loan to build a new operations centre is not democratic, respectful or engaged. It tells us approval for a $150 million loan is already in motion because consent has been given by the Saanich residents.
Add to that the concern the district may have overpaid for the new site and residents have every reason to ask: Why the rush?
Fortunately, we can have a say, but there are hurdles. If 10% of Saanich residents submit a form by June 25 that informs the district we do not approve of the spending, and it gets paused. It’s a low bar to ask council to hit pause, consult the community properly and read the room. This is a time of economic insecurity, and raising taxes along with adding a huge debt for taxpayers isn’t good leadership. Plus, this feels like a major project that should have been on the radar a long time ago and had a budget assigned over the years.
Now is the perfect time to let our elected officials know this isn’t OK. You can make it known that you don’t approve, and Saanich residents want council and staff to listen and not pat themselves on the back for all their unanimous decisions. Truthfully, when there is disagreement on our council, then it’s working. Unanimous isn’t a good sign, just another signal that our council and the staff who push through plans are not necessarily considering what is really in the best interest of the residents. They have their own agenda, and the alternative approval process is a convenient option to silence those who disagree with it.
Robyn Quinn
Saanich
