Thank you for providing a balanced approach to the EDPA bylaw over the past two weeks.
The articles by Travis Paterson describing the perspectives of two homeowners and his research have been helpful in understanding this issue. In reviewing the information it becomes evident that the concerns about the bylaw are based on incomplete or inaccurate information, assumption and hypothetical situations. In reality, property values are not affected by EDPA designation, Saanich staff have been responsive to inquiries and the EDPA bylaw will actually save property owners from incurring significant expenses.
It is unfortunate that lack of experience and knowledge has led some council members to be pressured by lobbyists and a private interest group. The exclusion of the three high-profile properties from the EDPA prior to the completion of the external Environmental Permit Area Review in which council chose to hire a consultant to ‘develop potential solutions that will be presented to council’ is premature.
I value the professionalism of Councillors Brownoff, Derman, Murdock and Saunders in supporting the commitment made to Saanich residents on May 9, to complete this external review of the EDPA bylaw as a next step. They have demonstrated a complete understanding of the EDPA bylaw, the information and reports that have been presented and the importance of this bylaw to the future of a healthy Saanich.
Winona Pugh
Saanich