by Dr. Natasha Caverley and A. Gortan, Citizen Journalists

The Farmlands Trust (Greater Victoria) Society launched its speaker series on regional issues affecting farmland, July 13 at St. Stephen’s Hall in Saanichton. Guest speaker Vic Derman, Director for the Capital Regional District (CRD), discussed the relationship between careful land use planning and a sustainable environment.

Director Derman spoke from both his heart and mind, as he captivated the approximately 60 person audience. He explored the intricacies of regional and municipal planning, coupled with the roles and responsibilities of the CRD. With relative ease, he articulated the importance of upholding regional planning documents and processes, such as the Regional Growth Strategy, throughout his thirty minute presentation.

Attendees included MLA for Saanich North and the Islands Gary Holman, North Saanich Mayor Alice Finall and Central Saanich Councillors Alicia Cormier and Zeb King.

“Information about each municipality’s role in the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) needs to reach as many regional residents as possible…I applaud Director Derman’s efforts to present that information in a straightforward and understandable manner” says Mayor Finall.

“In the ten years since the RGS was agreed and accepted by the regional municipalities, applications to the CRD Board for changes to the RGS to broaden urban areas have been contentious and continue to be so.”

Mayor Finall continues,“Some municipalities, including North and Central Saanich, Metchosin and Highlands, are specifically intended to provide protection for Rural Resource Lands for agricultural uses or forest preservation, rather than expansion of urban growth.”

As the CRD transitions from the Regional Growth Strategy to the upcoming version, renamed the “Regional Sustainability Strategy”, CRD Director and North Saanich Councillor Ted Daly hopes this change will provide an opportunity for the CRD to make improvements.

“I understand and fully support the reasons for, and the notion of a Regional Growth Strategy – it makes perfect sense. However, I still feel strongly that the process for any council or electoral area to make changes within their own jurisdiction is too restrictive.” says Director Daly.

Adding, “Even changes that are considered minor in nature by CRD staff, require majority approval at the Board level. I think that is too restrictive and I certainly don’t think the CRD directors of the day when the RGS was adopted, envisioned that process.”

Central Saanich resident Larry Labin thought the presentation was incredibly informative, stating, “The CRD is not restrictive at all. It reminds municipalities of what they said they would do. There are steps to make amendments, and if unanimous consent is not available, to go to arbitration. Everybody has to work for the common good.”

Farmlands Trust will continue their speaker series in the Fall. Level Ground Coffee and Breadstuffs Bakery kindly provided refreshments for the event.

Share/Bookmark