CRD director Mike Hicks of the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area does deserve credit for recognizing priorities and working toward the regional resource lands bylaws heading for second reading at the Capital Regional District board. But the Times Colonist Nov. 20 editorial misses on other points.

The bylaws are not just a reaction to the tree farm licence business. The regional growth strategy adopted by the CRD in 2003 captures the longstanding interest of residents in the resource lands. All CRD members reviewed their Official Community Plans to match the regional growth strategy.

In the JDF Electoral Area, from 2003 to 2007, controversy and problems in governance delayed adopting new OCPs to replace the plan for the defunct Sooke Electoral Area. The rural resource lands bylaw was launched in 2007 but sidelined again when the release of private land from tree farm licences in the Shirley-Jordan River and Otter Point OCP areas highlighted problems already identified.

The JDF planning department did a commendable job responding to public input for the rural resource lands bylaws. Small parcels are only contemplated in areas near Port Renfrew, not along the highway.

MLA John Horgan is doing his job. The provincial government negotiates First Nations treaties. It regulates mining and forestry. It writes the bottom line regulating protection of water and habitat. As much as an active, intelligent MLA can do from the opposition side of a government that is committed to a discredited economic ideology, Horgan will do. Hicks, Horgan and MP Keith Martin work together to serve their constituents. Many thanks to all three.

Heather Phillips

Sooke