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Our differences should be respected

I was glad to read the balanced and perceptive comments of Rajinder Sahota

Re: Construction Complete (News, Jan. 16).

I was glad to read the balanced and perceptive comments of Rajinder Sahota, the completely law-abiding developer of the Oak Lanes project.

He has shown uncommon decency and forbearance in the face of local vigilantes and style-police.

On the other hand, I found attempts by members of Oak Bay Watch, our local fundamentalist sect, to back away from attempts at design policing unconvincing.

If it is true that, as Mr. Sahota reports, he was told: “This is a British neighbourhood with an arts and crafts history and you should respect that,” then I think we know where the tar and feathers should be deployed.

It is truly depressing that some among us are so brittle and intolerant that they would resort to this kind of marauding, shaming and harassment of legal activities.

Even more saddening, these tactics will also put a chill on any planning processes currently underway to imagine an Oak Bay that is progressive, open-minded, sustainable or – heaven forbid – interesting.

I hope that we have the fortitude as a community to stand up to this kind of bullying.

David Wilkinson

Oak Bay