I was appalled by the behaviour of many attendees at the public hearing on July 14 into the rezoning of several North Saanich properties. In spite of the mayor requesting no clapping or other expressions from the audience, we got every kind from supporters and opponents.
This can be, or is perhaps meant to be, very intimidating and is form of bullying.
A public hearing is not a popularity contest, decided by the amount of applause one side receives. It is part of the process of deciding new bylaws and should be conducted in a dignified and civilized fashion, so that council, who have to be open minded at this time, can hear the comments from the public — without being distracted by cat calls.
I found the whole environment in the hall extremely toxic and left as soon as I had spoken. I know we are passionate about our politics in North Saanich but that is no excuse to be disrespectful at such meetings.
J. Doman
North Saanich