Thank you for the encouraging support around this matter.
I will provide a more detailed update in days to come, but for now just a few things to note:
- As you may know from the council meeting that happened on Monday night, Tantalus Gardens passed first reading (5-1 council members in favour) and will go to a public hearing on Tuesday, October 8th. It was passed despite many of the councilors having concern around aspects of the proposal. You can watch the meeting here if you're interested.
- I have attached the pie chart that was submitted to Mayor and Council and presented at the meeting earlier this week as fact. The developer claims to have walked 50 days and over 300 hours, knocked on 800 doors and talked to over 500 people. The green part of the pie represents their estimation of how many "walk the streets" interviewees support Tantalus Gardens exactly how it is currently presented. More people have expressed concern via this petition in 3 days than did on their survey in 2 months.
- It seems that letters sent to Mayor and Council aren't cumulative. So, they cited having received 100 letters for the current proposal and only 2 against. They didn't count the 100+ letters against that they received last year against the development.
-So, starting now, they will, presumably, begin the count again. Even if you have previously sent letters in with suggestions of concern, changes or opposition, you need to write or send them again. They matter! (MayorandCouncil@westvancouver.ca) If you do send a letter, please hang on to a copy as we will consolidate our own folder of letters.
-Finally, mark the date of October 8th on your calendar if you are interested in observing or participating. More details on this to follow.
-Please share this petition, leave a comment if you have one and make sure that you have the correct location typed in when you sign. It's a small step, but it's a step in the right direction.
- if you have questions please add them to the discussion here and we'll see if we can get answers.
Thanks!