Hi everyone!

Just wanted to update you on a letter we sent to the Saanich Mayor, the eight councilors, as well as the planning and engineering departments and legislative services today. 

The town hall meeting held last Tuesday, September 9th, at the Municipal Hall, highlighted broader concerns about improving municipal governance—a point raised by Mayor Dean Murdock himself.

In response, we have respectfully given the District of Saanich an opportunity to address this issue by requesting a community meeting to discuss our concerns regarding the Aragon mega-development in Cordova Bay.

Here it is - 

We are writing as residents of Cordova Bay to follow up on the recent Town Hall meeting where the topic of governance was discussed, and Mayor Murdock welcomed suggestions on how Saanich could improve in this area.

As representatives of now 2021 resident petition signatures, we have become the primary portal for very concerned Cordova Bay residents who are now asking many questions, and  now depending on you at Saanich on providing accurate information on the various topics

We appreciate that invitation, and we’d like to offer some suggestions that reflect the growing concern in our community for more meaningful, consistent, and transparent public engagement regarding large-scale development and land use decisions.

A Challenging Time Requires Better Engagement

 As you are aware, Cordova Bay — like many neighborhoods in Saanich — is experiencing significant development pressure. Projects such as the large-scale Aragon development at 755 Cordova Bay Road are raising serious questions about environmental impact, infrastructure capacity, neighborhood character, and overall community sustainability.

 At a time when new provincial housing policies and rapid urban expansion are transforming our communities, it’s more important than ever that Saanich engages directly with residents, not just as a matter of process, but as a matter of good governance.

Where Governance Can Improve

One of the responsibilities of local government is to facilitate communications between government and residents, and to provide opportunities for public input and education. This includes:

 Organizing regular and accessible community meetings;

• Clearly explaining the planning and development processes, including how decisions are made;
• Informing residents about how large-scale development may impact infrastructure, traffic, schools, green space, and services — and how the District plans to respond (or not) to these pressures;
• Helping residents understand new legislation, policies, and planning tools that are changing how development happens in Saanich.

Unfortunately, many residents feel they are not receiving this level of engagement. There is confusing and misinformation circulating — not due to resistance or apathy, but because information is hard to access, interpret, is often inconsistent, or not being shared in a timely manner.

A Request for Immediate Action

To begin in addressing this gap in governance, we respectfully request that:

• Members of Council and key staff host a  community meeting in Cordova Bay to hear residents’ concerns directly and provide clarity on development issues.

• Saanich commit to improving ongoing public engagement in Cordova Bay and other neighborhoods undergoing major development changes.
   

This meeting would be an important opportunity to begin rebuilding public trust and ensuring that residents are not only being heard, but also being informed and included in shaping the future of our community.

Governance Begins with Listening

 As Mayor Murdock said himself at the Townhall: “governance can improve.” We agree. A stronger, more transparent, and more engaged relationship between the district and its residents is not only possible — it’s essential. We ask for your leadership in helping make that happen, starting here in Cordova Bay.

There is a genuine and ongoing desire for open communication, and I believe that meaningful dialogue can often help prevent or reduce many of the challenges that Saanich finds itself facing.

We would appreciate and propose a community meeting perhaps in late October or November.

What do you think? Please let us know at your earliest convenience.

Thank you all for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and your presence in our community.

Sincerely,

Dan Horth
On behalf of concerned residents of Cordova Bay
cordovabayvoices@gmail.com

778-700-7261

That was the letter sent today. I will let everyone know about all responses in the upcoming updates.

Thank you Cordova Bay for your continued support and commitment to our community!

Dan