Dear Editor,
I feel it is extremely unfortunate that the public meeting held on July 29 to discuss the proposed rezoning of lot 2 was so badly derailed. After numerous attempts and a great deal of effort by many members of the Bowen Island community over nearly forty years, the municipality finally owns land and, as step-two, is engaging in the re-zoning process. The land-use vision, for which re-zoning is required, is to include a variety of public service buildings called a Community Campus. Months, no years, of deliberations have preceded this step and I personally want to commend the Municipality and all of those who have tirelessly and passionately offered their time, energy and expertise to reach this level.
So, what went wrong at this recent meeting?
Firstly, the process by which the Temporary Advisory Board came into being, and then proceeded to operate, meant that people holding differing opinions were shut out from the conversation. That is undemocratic. If consensus is to be achieved the process has to be inclusive.
Secondly, at the meeting, a great many people raised concerns about the supply of services, design, costs, infrastructure, etc. As important as these things are in the planning and design phase of a project, they have very little to do with zoning. What is important, however, are uses, densities, impact, future changes and community benefit.
Thirdly, it happens again and again, that passionate newcomers want to re-invent the vision for Bowen. It would help them and us, who have been around for awhile and have forgotten many of the deliberations, reports and decisions made over the many years, if the Municipality could have a constantly updated synopsis available for study by anyone. It would save a lot of time and misunderstanding.
Fourth, it is divisive and highly counter productive, when such public meetings are used by hurt and swollen egos as a platform for self-aggrandization.
I would like to suggest that we, as a community, employ our good will, energy and resources toward a speedy achievement of the Community Campus.
Hans Christian Behm
