Editor:
During the Oct. 28 all-candidates meeting for Sechelt council, incumbent councillors Lamb and Siegers were asked where they were when the new zoning changes were decided “without public input,” implying that the current mayor and council were responsible for a lack of public consultation on the proposed zoning changes. This is misinformation.
When Coun. Alice Lutes, during the candidates meeting, self-righteously commented that she would never blame staff for the process, she was trying to score political points (Lamb and Siegers had correctly acknowledged the proposed zoning changes were under staff control).
I have attended public meetings regarding proposed zoning changes starting on Jan. 29, 2013 when the director of development services from the District presided. All neighbourhood associations, the Coast Community Builders’ Association and the Chamber of Commerce were invited to this first meeting. A referral was sent to all neighbourhood associations on Aug. 1, 2014 and a public information meeting was held on Aug. 26, 2014. Our association, the East Porpoise Bay Ratepayers Association, responded with our concerns and complaints before the public meeting. At the Aug. 26 public meeting, the director extended the deadline for feedback to the end of September. I note this was done without consulting council, demonstrating that he was in control of the process. Further, he offered that staff would attend neighbourhood association meetings to further inform the public — our association took up this offer.
In short, the District’s staff has directed the zoning bylaw public process. Councillors Lamb and Siegers were accurate in their comments.
Greg Deacon, Sechelt
