Ian and Ryan Vantreight fought to remain members of a group that has brought court action against the district of Central Saanich for approving their development.
The Vantreights have been members of the Residents and Ratepayers of Central Saanich almost since its inception and their membership survived a vote last week.
“I think it’s appropriate to ask the Vantreights to leave,” said ratepayers’ executive member Sue Stroud. “It is difficult to run a court case and report to (the membership) about that court case in a frank and open way when the opposition to the court case is in the room.
“It’s unbelievable to me that people want to stay for any good reason when there is a court case against them like this. We founded this organization on the principle of upholding the Official Community Plan, staying within the Urban Containment Boundary and we believe in those things very sincerely. That’s what this organization was built on.”
“It’s not unusual for an organization to restrict membership,” added Stroud.
“We are here because we are supposed to be supporting a common vision. When we joined this organization, we joined to support a common vision,” said Alex Gortan, speaking against the Vantreight’s membership.
“To believe in rights is to believe in defending difference,” said Ron Vanzetta.
“As a residents and ratepayers organization, I feel that except under extreme and egregious circumstances it’s inappropriate to start to expel members,” said executive member Chris Graham. “We’re here to address the needs and concerns of our residents and ratepayers of Central Saanich … Some have needs and concerns that conflict with the vast majority but they still have the right to join and express those concerns to the group.”
“It is kind of a conundrum to be standing in a room full of people that have a difference of opinion, that is in essence very unnerving for an individual,” said Ryan Vantreight. “I want to be a part of this community and I want to do something good with this community. I’m a farmer, I’m a resident, I’m a father, I pay my taxes and I work my ass off, excuse the French.
“My point is, if this society is about being a ratepayer and a resident and building community and being as one as a community, whether it be in agreement or not — as we’ve heard a few times, in conflict there is opportunity for other people to consider ideas that they might not have considered before — whether it’s in agreement or not, I am still a resident of this community.”
“Whether you agree or disagree on a certain point, it shouldn’t be the point of telling me I’m not welcome anymore. That’s, I think, undemocratic. It goes against the whole essence of how this country was built,” Vantreight added.
In the end, only six of the approximately 45 people who attended the meeting voted to expel the Vantreights.
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