Support for Councillor Chambers’ Motion – April 13 at Saanich Hall - URGENT PROCEDURAL UPDATE
Hi everyone,
I’ve just spoken directly with Councillor Chambers. She is bringing forward her Notice of Motion for a new Public Engagement Framework this Monday, April 13, at 6:30 PM. It is officially on the Saanich AGENDA for this Monday.
She was very clear with me: A massive "swell" of individual letters is the only way this succeeds. The rest of Council will only act if they see a flood of residents demanding it. PLEASE take 15 minutes of your day to write an email to the Mayor and Council. PLEASE ! :)
IMPORTANT PROCEDURAL UPDATE: I just found out that we must not specifically mention the Aragon or any other development project (per guidance from the Saanich Legislative Committee Clerk).
If you mention a specific project, your letter will not be included in the official agenda package. Your email must be general in nature. While the Mayor and Council will still receive your email, it will not be part of the official public record for this motion.
The Message (Use this as a guide): Please keep your email general. Tell them in your own words that you support the Chambers Motion to create a formal Public Engagement Framework.
You can say: "I am writing to express my support for Councillor Chambers’ motion regarding the future of public hearings and non-statutory avenues for public engagement. With the changes introduced by Bill 44, it is vital that Saanich creates a formal process to ensure our community expertise is utilized in development applications. I urge Council to vote in favour of this motion."
Action needed by NOON this Monday, April 13:
Email: council@saanich.ca
Optional: copy cordovabayvoices@gmail.com
Subject: Support for Councillor Chambers’ Motion – April 13
A sincere thank you (and an apology from me!) for your support and patience while we navigate this new territory!
Why this matters: Right now, developments are moving through the "black box" of staff review. With the new Provincial rules, we are at risk of losing our right to a Public Hearing. The Chambers Motion is our best chance to fix this. If it passes, it forces Saanich to create a formal way for us to have a say, regardless of what the Province says.
Let’s get this done and protect the future of our neighbourhood. Do this for your neighbors, your friends, and the future of our community.
OUR COMMUNITY IS COUNTING ON YOU
It is up to us to act now - PLEASE
It will only take 15 minutes of your time. IT DOES AND WILL MATTER!
Council needs to viscerally feel the pushback in their inboxes. They need to see that Saanich is demanding transparency.
Remember with the election coming up, we do have some power right now if they see it is from us.
Thank you!
Dan Horth