The Capital Regional District published notice for public hearing last Wednesday to give residents a final opportunity to review the current draft of the Regional Growth Strategy before its formal approval. The strategy is a provincial requirement to provide long-range planning direction for municipal community plans and use of public facilities, land and other resources. It is to be our plan for a “livable region.”
I presented a concern that while the document itemizes such objectives as food security, climate change and housing, it is deficient in dealing with matters affecting land use, transportation and economic development. A few others appeared to appeal for protection of resource lands and green space to avoid rural sprawl. Sadly, it appears this was an exercise in vain.
Only six of the 24 members of the CRD board were committed enough to hear from the community. Except for Saanich’s Mayor Richard Atwell and Coun. Colin Plant, there were no reps from the core municipalities or the West Shore. Further, it was discouraging to note the absence of reps from any of several business or economic associations to state the case for regional strategy that reflects the economic opportunities of our region.
Given this indifference, we deserve to suffer frustrations of business constraints and as residents, tourists, taxis, buses, ambulances and commercial vehicles get stuck in traffic jams.
Sadly, in the in face of the lack of interest from residents and leaders, we perpetuate the level of non-representative, unaccountable government for which the CRD is known. We get what we deserve.
James Anderson
Victoria
