Re: Decision made, so move on, PNR editorial Dec. 13, 2013.
It is not fair to say that a proposed new home for the Brentwood Bay Boys and Girls Club “has had its share of public scrutiny over the past seven months.”
A public hearing was not called until Nov. 12, 2013. It was at this meeting that the public overwhelmingly stated their opposition to site D and it was a member of the public who suggested site E, the eventual choice made by council Dec. 9, 2013. That is less than 30 days.
The process might have been expedited had council called a public hearing at the beginning of the process rather than the end. Instead they consulted only those they deemed stakeholders - namely the library, centre for active living and the Scouts and Guides.
Notwithstanding the timeline, the Boys and Girls Club has done very well at the expense of Central Saanich taxpayers in that they have facilitated a zoning change that may result in future building within the only green space in Brentwood Village. They have also had all municipal fees and charges associated with the building waived, will probably be able to lease it for a nominal $1 per year and have received a $20,000 grant from council.
L. MacKinnon
Brentwood Bay