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LETTER: New Vic Derman Park won’t replace Christmas Hill

On behalf of the North Quadra Community Association (NQCA), I want to sincerely thank Saanich council for a quick and correct decision to rename the Christmas Hill Park to Vic Derman Park.
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On behalf of the North Quadra Community Association (NQCA), I want to sincerely thank Saanich council for a quick and correct decision to rename the Christmas Hill Park to Vic Derman Park.

At the same time, we want to express our deep gratitude to Saanich councils of 1994 to 1996 for their vision, foresight and courage to approve the bylaw amendments which enabled the Saanich community to acquire such a precious and natural environment as a community amenity. In addition, we want to acknowledge the leadership of the planning director of the day, Alan Hopper, and the planning staff for working diligently over three years to complete the visionary reports and the bylaws. We are indeed grateful to everyone.

Subsequent to the media announcement, I have read mostly positive comments and accolades to rename the park as Vic Derman Park. However, I have also been made aware of some negative comments. I would like everyone to know that this park area of about two hectare to the south of Rogers elementary school was never a part of Christmas Hill.

That land was owned by South Island Development Corporation (SIDC) and they were ready to develop about 30 acres of land on the southwest slope of Christmas Hill. How do I know it? Vic Derman and I were on the 19-member advisory group that helped establish a local area plan.

During the events leading to the redevelopment process of SIDC land, the most valuable contribution of Vic Derman became very apparent. His passion for environment, his arduous and tireless work and his well-articulated reasoning became very persuasive. At that time we introduced a simple concept of “economic equivalency.”

We were able to convince the land owners and their agents to have more density towards Douglas Street and McKenzie Avenue, and in return have this land containing beautiful natural Garry oak meadow dedicated to Saanich as a community amenity. At the same time, around 1996, we received support from the Provincial Capital Commission, which acquired an important piece of land containing important Garry oak trees along Douglas Street from Rogers’ family.

People sending negative comments may want to know that due to this arduous process undertaken by the community with such an intense and dedicated service from the executive member Vic Derman, Saanich added approximately four hectares (10 acres) to Christmas Hill.

This additional land to Christmas Hill Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary came about as a result of land purchased by Saanich and The Land Conservancy (TLC) of B.C. Again, Vic Derman was the vice-president and a key member of the TLC at that time, and convinced Saanich council to purchase and to provide an interest-free loan to TLC to purchase the additional land. That land was dedicated to Saanich and added to Christmas Hill.

Therefore, what NQCA has proposed now, and was graciously accepted by Saanich council as Vic Derman Park, is the land adjacent to an expanded Christmas Hill. It has not replaced Christmas Hill. This is the most appropriate tribute to the late Coun. Vic Derman.

I just hope this letter provides correct information, and comforts the people who have expressed negative comments especially through social media.

Haji Charania, president

North Quadra Community Association