In the editorial, Fighting for farmland, PNR April 29, residents of Central Saanich are reminded to stand up and be heard if they want to preserve farmland.
They need to be reminded also what the implications are of doing so. Without industrial, commercial and residential development the tax base is eroded over time and that means higher municipal taxes.
The conflict between maintaining valuable farm land and a sustainable tax base is real.
It’s a challenge for the elected officials and requires both political courage and leadership on their part.
The solution for Central Saanich is to actively pursue amalgamation of the three municipalities on the Saanich Peninsula to create a larger planning area.
If that is done, a sustainable tax base is possible without having to sacrifice vital agricultural lands to industrial, commercial and residential development.
Carl Eriksen, Central Saanich