Do we need affordable houses? Yes. Do we need higher density in North Saanich? No.
How can we solve this problem?
We are told to never trust a statistic. The same is true for surveys. You can pose a question so that you get the answer you want. It’s called a statistical fallacy. This is not only inaccurate but misleading.
If you ask developers, business, industry and stakeholders, you will get their wish list.
If you ask residents the answer is different, as we have seen from the survey of the North Saanich Residents Association, who contacted more than 3,500 households.
We have to see the larger picture. North Saanich is the most northern tip of the Peninsula. It has a unique purpose, other than Langford, View Royal or any other CRD municipality.
North Saanich is not an isolated municipality either, it is linked to Sidney. We have to see North Saanich and Sidney in a balance to create a healthy environment. Don’t destroy that for some shortsighted reasons.
Think of a body. Each body part has its unique purpose, otherwise the body can’t function. North Saanich serves a certain purpose which would be lost in higher density.
Don’t let yourself be fooled as if we need higher density - the reason for being successful in North Saanich is larger lots, agricultural, rural, recreational and marine assets - not just for residents but beyond our own municipality. If you take this away, others will suffer as well.
It is the secret of successful manipulation: if you tell a story often enough, finally people will believe you and repeat what they heard. But we have to learn to come to a sound judgment. What seems good for one party can destroy the other.
To do the right thing is not to follow those who shout the loudest.
Let’s work together for a better place to live and leave for future generations.
Hildegard Horie
North Saanich