Saanich Council: Don't Silence Cordova Bay. Support the Nathalie Chambers Motion on April 13!

Hi Everyone,

On April 13, Saanich Council faces a critical test. They will vote on Councillor Nathalie Chambers' motion to explore alternative ways for public engagement on major developments, like the Aragon development. This is the opportunity we have been waiting for. 

That Notice of Motion being -

“That Saanich Council direct staff to provide a report on the future of public hearings in Saanich, recognizing the changes to our laws and exploring alternative non-statutory avenues for public engagement and input on development applications.”

THIS DIRECTLY AFFECTS CORDOVA BAY: Even if Bill 44 has nothing to do with this specific development, Saanich could still claim the 1,160-unit Aragon project is "OCP Consistent." This allows them to approve it with ZERO guarantee of community input. 

REMEMBER - Saanich retains the full authority to provide additional public engagement; it is not legally prohibited or bound by the Province in this regard. Maybe they simply don’t want us to know this.

Councillor Nathalie Chambers has put this motion forward to ensure that major developments like the 1,160-unit Aragon project receive the meaningful community engagement and "village-scale" consideration that the residents of Cordova Bay deserve.

AND - 

This is a "Win-Win" Offer

We aren't "anti-growth." We’ve explicitly stated our support for sensible housing options—townhomes, row houses, and "Village Scale" 4–6 storey designs as our community supported Local Area Plan envisioned. If this is such an obvious win for the community and the District, why the hesitation?

When a simple request for more democracy is met with bureaucratic foot-dragging, we have to ask: Are back-room deals being prioritized over residents? Is the 1,160-unit Aragon "mega-project" quietly managed through the various stages in preparation for presentation to Council while we are kept in the dark? 

At the March 16 meeting, which me and my colleague attended, Saanich' s Director of Planning, Lindsay Chase confirmed that the municipality of Saanich does not feel "threatened" by provincial housing targets. If there are no hard quotas forcing the issue, there is zero excuse for bypassing community consultation.

The April 13 Litmus Test

If Council votes "No" to a simple report on how to listen to its citizens, they are making a public confession. They are effectively admitting they have abandoned their sworn duty to represent the people who voted them in.

While we believe the vote will happen on Monday, April 13, Saanich often doesn't release the final agenda until a few days prior, but we must be prepared to show up regardless, even if this motion gets pushed another date BUT Regular Council meetings are the standard venue for debating new notices of motion such as this, and I do think it will be on this night. 

THE PLAN: Monday, April 13 | 6:30 PM | Saanich Hall (770 Vernon Ave)

SEND LETTERS BEFORE: Email the CAO, Legislative Services, the Mayor, and Council. Demand support for the Chambers Motion. Best to sent to the Council@saanich.ca address, then copy everyone else, as provided below.

FILL THE CHAMBERS: Please show up!

SPEAK TO THE PROCESS : Register by Visiting Saanich.ca/agenda,  Call 250-475-5501, or email – council@saanich.ca before noon of the day of the meeting to speak.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: Even if you don't speak, your presence is power.
 

To: Council@saanich.ca

CC: Brent.Reems@saanich.ca

Angila.Bains@saanich.ca

Mayor@saanich.ca

susan.brice@saanich.ca,

judy.brownoff@saanich.ca

nathalie.chambers@saanich.ca

zac.devries@saanich.ca

karen.harper@saanich.ca

teale.phelps.bondaroff@saanich.ca

colin.plant@saanich.ca

mena.westhaver@saanich.ca

planning@saanich.ca

engineering@saanich.ca

We are essentially handing Council a "Win-Win" on a silver platter. If they reject it, they are rejecting the very residents who put them in power.

Anyone has additional ideas, please let us know (cordovabayvoices@gmail.com) or just go for it yourself. This movement belongs to ALL of us! This is REALLY what community means, let’s show them on April 13. 

Please be aware of additional updates coming your way as we prepare to provide our support for Councillor Nathalie Chambers' motion to explore alternative ways for public engagement on major developments.

See you there on April 13!

Thank you,

Dan Horth