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Music department departure
Healthcare forum on Feb. 15 wants to hear from people who are looking for a doctor, page 5 Black Press
Want a Suite deal? ��������������������������������� 18 Secondary suites come in all shapes, sizes Open House Directory ������������������� 19
After 22 years at Stelly’s Secondary, Jan Heinrichs has retired, page 15
Friday, February 7, 2014
Watch for breaking news at www.vicnews.com
They’ve heard enough
North Saanich council majority rejects delegation Steven Heywood News staff
Eliciting cries of “shame” from the audience, North Saanich district council removed a resident from its delegation list at Monday night’s meeting. The move sparked speculation by some residents that the majority of the politicians were trying to muzzle opposing views on the ongoing housing debate. Councillor Ted Daly, referring to a presentation by Springfield Harrison on a consultant’s exit survey on housing issues in the community, said he wanted the item removed from the agenda. “I’m not interested in hearing this presentation,” he said. “Not one little bit.” Daly said Harrison’s presentation was tantamount to the same opposition and complaint council has heard over the controversial housing strategy process since even before it began. Mayor Alice Finall said one of council’s fundamental obligations is to hear from its citizens. “They have a right to speak to council, to inform their decisions,” she said, and proceeded to overrule Daly’s motion to remove the speaker from the agenda. Daly responded by seeking a motion to set aside Finall’s ruling and uphold his motion. Please see: Mockery of freedom, page 3
Steven Heywood/News staff
From their new roof, Victoria Flying Club Operations Manager Marcel Poland points to ground crew and pilot instructor activities around the club’s fleet of small airplanes at the Victoria International Airport. See page three for more.
District changes mind on pot - again Proposed McTavish Road medical marijuana project squeaks in
Steven Heywood News staff
North Saanich will prohibit the production of medical marijuana for at least six months. Councillors, in a 5-2 vote Monday night, reinstated the ban they had initially agreed to late last year, but had overturned in December to consider the issue further and get feedback from various local citizen commissions. Since then, residents have spoken loud and clear that they are not supportive of such produc-
tion facilities in North Saanich and made that voice clear on Monday night. Of the 19 speakers during council’s public participation period, a majority called for the ban, citing potential for crime, odour and pollution. Bob Williamson told council it wasn’t a matter of marijuana’s medical benefits, but one of industrial production on agricultural land. Other speakers said much the same thing. The proponent of a medical marijuana production facility proposed for McTavish Road, Roberto Brescaiani, also addressed council. He said while some of
Is the family physician shortage affecting you, your family, your local community hospital? Are you concerned that it might? Join the South Island Division of Family Practice, community leaders, service providers and community residents at A GP for Me Community Forum that is being held in Sidney at the Mary Winspear Centre, February 15, 2014 from 12-3 PM. Let's improve our health care system and make it responsive to people living on the Saanich Peninsula.
Everyone is welcome!
the people’s concerns are valid, he urged the community to learn more about their proposal, its technology and potential for local employment. Brescaiani’s application, under the company name Cannan Growers Inc. came in to the District prior to council’s vote, says Mayor Alice Finall. That means the municipality will have to allow the application process to proceed and in all likelihood, permit a production facility. Please see: Pot prohibition not NIMBY, page 4
To help up organize the Community Forum, please let us know you plan to be there by registering at:
info@sidfp.com
or by calling the South Island Division of Family Practice at:
250-658-3303