Re: “Victoria concerned about move to allow city water in rural area,” May 15.
Many residents in Otter Point, East Sooke and Shirley share a global problem of no potable water during the summer. Unlike the rest of the world, however, the Capital Regional District, some municipal planners and Victoria Coun. Ben Isitt continue to deny our residents this essential resource.
Our density potential is controlled by our official community plan, which is approved or denied by the CRD board, including Isitt. Isitt insists on denying water as an additional safeguard against urban sprawl in the Juan de Fuca hinterlands. Even though Isitt supported the Suzuki Blue Dot Strategy of establishing a bill of rights guaranteeing every Canadian access to clean potable water, he denies this right to his neighbours in the Juan de Fuca.
The Juan de Fuca Electoral Area is conditioned to being treated differently than their CRD neighbours. Community Minister Peter Fassbender didn’t ask us about our thoughts on amalgamation, we didn’t get asked to join the Regional Economic Group and we don’t share in the West Shore casino profits.
We really don’t ask for much, but in regards to water, we desire the same access afforded our neighbours in Metchosin, who have proven that it is possible to have piped water, controlled growth and no urban sprawl. We in the JDF hope that all CRD municipal councils will be true to the Blue Dot Strategy they endorsed and follow the wisdom of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps supporting access to water in the JDF.
Wally Vowles, alternate regional director
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
