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Controversial bylaws to get more debate

Council has officially rescinded two controversial land use bylaws steep slopes and environmentally sensitive areas which will be reviewed and brought forward by the new council after the November elections.

Council has officially rescinded two controversial land use bylaws steep slopes and environmentally sensitive areas which will be reviewed and brought forward by the new council after the November elections.

On Tuesday afternoon, council acknowledged that many Islanders expressed frustration with the scope of the bylaws. The bylaws were intended to monitor areas that are at risk of instability, rock fall or soil erosions but many Islanders said they encroach on the rights of landowners to make changes to their land without going through unnecessary expense and red tape.

Council discussed options in the afternoon and in an evening meeting voted to rescind the second readings of both bylaws, sending them back to staff with a direction to hold further "information, education and consultation meetings" and from there report and make recommendations back to council.

The intention is to have this process completed by no later than December 15. Having rescinded the second reading of each of these by-laws again opens them up for the council to debate them with the community.

Meanwhile, council passed fourth and final reading of the Official Community Plan update on Tuesday night.