For the sake of sportsmanship, North Saanich council will suck up multiple losses and support the Greater Victoria Flower Count.
The decision didn’t take long, but went a couple of different ways quickly, with a healthy dose of laughter.
Councillor Anny Scoones was quick to suggest that the newest members of council test their hand at arranging flowers for the contest that launches the event each year.
“Because the rest of us have always done it and always finished dead last,” she explained.
The event is launched with a light-hearted event where mayors or representatives create entries in a judged flower-arranging competition.
Mayor Alice Finall quickly suggested that perhaps council get a motion to participate, then seek volunteers among council.
Councillor Craig Mearns countered with a motion that council not participate. While it got a few laughs, that motion didn’t pass.
Councillor Dunstan Browne, the other newest member targeted by Scoones disagreed heartily.
“I think it’s one of the kooky things that makes this Island tick,” he noted.
“It is a lighthearted event but it has a serious message,” said councillor Cairine Green, adding that it shows support for Victoria and tourism.
“I know it’s challenging because we never win, but I don’t think it’s about winning,” she added
A follow-up motion to participate passed, with no pinpointing of who would actually do the flower arranging.
“I will volunteer to help make the base display but I don’t’ want to do the flower arranging,” councillor Ruby Commandeur offered. Green agreed to help out as well.
The 35th annual Greater Victoria Flower Count runs from March 1 to 7 with the launch on March 1 at The Bay Centre in Victoria starting at 10 a.m.
reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com