Reflections of 2011 in Saanich

Starting a New Year and a new term as a Saanich Councillor and CRD Director it makes it important to review what I was able to see completed in 2011. Although we had a marginal improvement to voter turnout this last election, to me I want to work on engaging my greater community members.

Moving forward I would like to “inspire” voters why they should be engaged. I know that those “hot” issues that come to their neighborhood bring residents to our Council Chamber but what can I do to keep residents and voters engaged?  If you have ideas on how I can have these conversations please contact me.

Transportation Issues

I was pleased to bring forward a motion that my colleagues supported unanimously to support the Federal Bill C-466 Green Commuter Choices. This bill would allow employers to provide transportation benefits (like transit passes) by using the Income Tax Act.

According to the Parliamentary Budget Office the existing income tax process whereby monthly and weekly transit passes can be claimed costs $145 million to manage, while the proposed Bill C-466 would cost $93 million.

The proposed bill would allow for carpooling and bicycle commuting benefits, in addition to transit … more mode choices that would provide opportunities to implement Transportation Demand Management Plans for major employment sites.

Transportation will continue to be a key issue to address this term in the region. We have to continue to look at opportunities to expand and improve our systems. We need to work with all governments.

Truck Routes

I have been a strong supporter to have defined truck routes and to ensure appropriate roads are used. It was a number of years ago where I wanted Wilkinson Road at Interurban moving to West Saanich to be removed from the Truck Route By-law due to pedestrian “safe” walking areas with heavy vehicles and speed, and Wilkinson Road being narrow, plus one side is in the Urban Containment area and the other side is Rural Saanich.

In 2011 Saanich was being challenged by a property owner in Central Saanich who was taking development fill to his farm land. The issue was the shortest way was to run those trucks along Old East Road in Saanich. Old East is NOT on Truck Route and is a very narrow sub standard road built for “rural” use. Saanich, in the short time of these trucks “rat running” on Old East had road damage. I was pleased when the property owner’s lawyer appeared at Council to try to get Saanich to open up the road so I could move that load restrictions be maintained. That motion passed unanimously!

Agricultural Lands

When there appears to be easier lands to develop on, like ALR lands that are not being farmed, it requires strong voices to state ALR lands are not available for subdivision. In fact, property owners must ask Saanich to approve application to remove lands from ALR.  My view has always been the same, Saanich should never support removal, the Agricultural Land Commission is the entity with the knowledge and staff to evaluate if land is not appropriate to farm; soils can be upgraded, small lot farming is becoming the norm, as well large farmlands are also need for products like dairy and once removed you will never get it back. .

I do not support having less land in ALR than we have today and I hope, with the acquisition of Panama Flats, Saanich will be putting land into the ALR.

Parks

We had the pleasure of establishing a Concept Plan for our latest new park called Mount View Park. This park was a promise as part of the multi level Community of Care site on the old Mount View School on Carey Road to the neighborhood.

With respect to the McMorran Family selling their restaurant and lands Saanich was successful in acquiring a beach front property for a park. In fact, the land we have acquired is where families used to come when travelling by train to go to the ocean for summer fun. I was very pleased that we have named this pocket park “McMorran Park”.

The most important Park, Recreation and Culture Master Plan process is happening now. I expect a draft of a plan in early 2012. This document will set the framework for Council to direct investment and future needs. Please follow this on our website and get involved.

Special Ceremony

I was so pleased that Saanich conferred Freedom of the Municipality to Dr Nancy Turner. When I was first elected I met Nancy as she spoke about the history on Christmas Hill and the biodiversity. I know that on sensitive sites the community associations do ask Nancy for help. I was so pleased, as Saanich’s senior councillor, to read out the accomplishments and what a great Saanich resident Dr Nancy Turner is and how she has contributed to her community.

There were many other issues I was pleased to get adopted by Council and to work on in 2011. These are just a few.