Thoughts on BC Politics and More

It was a predictable decision at our public hearing: applicant wanted a duplex amongst single family homes yet every neighbour in the cul-de-sac was opposed.   Motion to reject was carried and all went home.   Yet it seemed the applicant wasn’t quite done.   He made a list of every bylaw infraction he thought each neighbour was guilty of and brought the list to staff to enforce. Management was uncomfortable with this ‘revenge’ list and sought my input as Mayor.   I suggested neighbours be made aware of minor routine items (weeds, long grass, etc.) and asked to help us by complying.   I don’t recall any significant items except for one – a young girl had a lamb as a pet.   The bylaws didn’t permit farm animals in residential zones so we had a problem – yet I didn’t want to take this young girl’s lamb away to satisfy the neighbour’s grudge.   So, our solicitor said: ‘ you know if you choose to review this bylaw, we won’t act on the ...

NOTE : This is an edited version, of a written submission, present by Sandy Macdougal (AKA The Sidewinder), at a January 31st, 2017 Public Meeting on homelessness. In terms of sheltering the homeless, whether they are drug addicts, alcoholics, or mentally ill, I will state at the outset that doing nothing is not an option for our neighbourhood.   The status quo does an injustice to local residents and does nothing to improve the lot of the homeless. I would also point out that this is not a matter of democracy. It is a matter of government at all levels carrying out their implied duties to maintain peace and good order in our community The Four Pillars are supposed to include prevention, treatment, enforcement and harm reduction.   A vast array of supportive statistics usually accompany the promotion of these pillars but actual experience and observation by police and the judiciary show another side of the argument. As stated by retired provinc...