The problem with the Vantreight’s rezoning is a simple one.
To be legal a rezoning must be consistent with the other bylaws. At the time of rezoning council needs to amend not only the Land Use Bylaw, but also the Official Community Plan and the Regional Growth Strategy. These bylaws have to be moved forward and passed at the same time. Council must not just ignore these bylaws and pretend they aren’t there. These bylaws are binding on the municipality, and must agree with each other.
The legality of this new residential zone, has nothing to do with if it is a good idea, or popular, or not, but has everything to do with the fact that council, against staff’s advice, chose not to amend these other bylaws.
I served 12 years on council in Central Saanich, and I wouldn’t have touched this with a 10-foot pole.
Christopher Graham,
Central Saanich