Cedar Hill Clay Court Tennis Society president John Miller has asserted that there has been extensive consultation on the clay court project, but he is missing the larger issue of whether there has been consultation on the use of that area, period.
A much-touted survey on the clay court society website showing 80 per cent support for the project omits the fact that a whopping 38.7 per cent of respondents were not residents of Saanich, let alone this community, and fails to reveal the percentage of respondents who were tennis players, for example.
Many of the events listed in the “extensive consultation process” seem to be confused with publicity, and the modifications to the project along the way were essentially negotiations between the planners and their supporters.
There has been a stunning lack of leadership from Saanich Parks in engaging the surrounding neighbourhood associations and community, which has been clearly requested by opponents.
The clay court society exists solely for the purpose of building these tennis courts, and in my opinion can hardly be compared to other associations who partner with Saanich, such as the Braefoot Community Association whose mission is to promote the interests and well-being of Saanich youth.
I urge all Saanich residents who currently enjoy the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre and park to voice your concerns and demand real consultation on how this area is to be wisely envisioned for our use and that of future generations.
Marnie Olchowecki
Saanich