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Letter: Council discussion ‘deeply disturbing’

'Not for the first time, the mayor disrespected the PTGAC with allegations of acting outside of their terms of reference, of not knowing their business.'

Dear Editor:

I write to comment on the March 8 BIM council discussion of a recommendation from the Parks Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee (PTGAC) about the possibility of creating a development permit area to protect Bowen’s coastal areas.

There is a lot to unpack. Let’s start with the positives.

It was heartening to learn that ecosystem protection and identifying tools to protect ecosystems are being considered for the next Island Plan. A shoreline DPA fits these aspirations perfectly.

Kudos to Coun. Rob Wynen for recognizing the validity of the process of the recommendation coming from the PTGAC. Kudos also, for recognizing that Bowen’s shorelines are part of the system of coastal greenways of Howe Sound – that our decisions do not just have consequences for the environment of Bowen but to the larger environment.

Of course, thanks to Coun. Sue Ellen Fast – whom I sometimes forget because I do not doubt her prioritizing and defending our natural assets – keep up the good work. To those who stop her on the trails asking her why she isn’t “saving the trees,” I would say your complaints are directed at the wrong councillor.

Ok, Kumbaya time is over as this discussion was deeply disturbing on many levels.

Not for the first time, the mayor disrespected the PTGAC with allegations of acting outside of their terms of reference, of not knowing their business. This recommendation is within the ToR and it must be remembered that council asked for it. Council asked the PTGAC to comment on the 1710 Cape Drive development variance permit issue, where damage within the 30-metre setback from the sea had already occurred. Perhaps it would be helpful for the mayor to offer his reasons as to why he thinks this recommendation is outside the ToR of the PTGAC. That would be much more constructive than disrespecting the members of the PTGAC in a public forum. That would be leadership.

Even more concerning is the mayor’s continued contention that the 30-metre setback to the sea is protection. This shows an ignorance. This setback only applies to buildings. It does nothing to prevent alteration and damage to the shoreline – as the community planner and other members of staff, members of the PTGAC and other councillors have repeatedly pointed out. To quote the community planner at the Nov. 23 council meeting regarding the 1710 Cape Drive issue – “…the proposed building site has already been blasted, cleared, and graded…this is all done without any need for permits…” Coun. Hocking put it best at the March 8th meeting – “…a whole bunch of work was done on that Tunstall Bay home [1710 Cape Dr.] that was within the 30m zone and then it came before us as a DVP and we really had no alternative.”

Finally, the mayor “doesn’t see the urgency.” We are in a climate crisis and part of the climate crisis is the loss of species and critical habitat. Bowen’s coastal greenways are rare and critical habitat. That in and of itself is cause for urgency. That we are continually losing our shoreline greenways makes the matter even more urgent because once gone, we do not get them back.

Next, I’d like to address a couple of comments from Coun. Maureen Nicholson.

First was the concern with the process. Presumably, Coun. Nicholson believes the PTGAC was trying to direct staff. The recommendation states, as do all such recommendations from advisory committees state, that “Council direct staff.” It is always up to council to direct staff. It is up to council to support or deny a committee’s recommendation.

Coun. Nicholson also contends that the committee was aware of an irregularity at what it was doing. I would agree, although I believe the irregularity was not in the legitimacy of the recommendation but in its reception and in a lack of understanding from some council members as to what constitutes a legitimate recommendation. These members showed real courage at moving forward with something they strongly believe in, even in the face of certain ridicule and disdain. These people should be commended

Finally, concerns regarding staff time. This is a completely legitimate concern. As a former muni employee, I know how overworked and under-supported some departments are. Further, as the former chair of the PTGAC, I can guarantee that an informal discussion about staff time, along with knowledge that the upcoming Island Plan would likely address this issue would have avoided this unsavory episode. 

Use these knowledgeable and passionate people to alleviate the demands on staff. There was talk of researching the shoreline protection tools of other jurisdictions, use them. Treat those on the PTGAC with a little regard, faith and a semblance of respect and council will find a knowledgeable and realistic group willing to work together. That would be leadership.

Mark Edmonds

Former chair, PTGAC