Local politics were top of mind this week in Oak Bay 28 years ago...at least for the writers at the Oak Bay Star, fore-runner to the Oak Bay News.
Oak Bay’s then-mayor, Susan Brice, had declared her intention to seek a second term when the community went to the polls Nov. 21. Brice, today a Saanich municipal councillor, had won her first mayoralty term by acclamation when former Mayor Doug Watts decided not to seek another term, the Star reported Sept. 2.
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The approaching election also had the Star questioning the lack of “political malcontents” in the municipality.
With acclamations being the recent norm for both mayor and council, the paper called on residents to put their name forward.
“Why is it so important for someone to issue a challenge to those members whose terms expire at the end of this year? Simply because the principle of democracy dictates that representatives be elected for and by the people. The operative word here is elected...”
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From the Sept. 2, 1987 police blotter, a Calgary man was credited with saving the life of a Coquitlam man who got into trouble swimming off Willows Beach. The man was swimming against the current, trying to reach a boat off-shore, when he was struck with leg cramps, police reported.
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Fast forward a decade and Oak Bay Police were in the news for a massive marijuana bust at a Cadboro Bay Road home.
A Crimestoppers tip had revealed a hydroponic grow operation worth an estimated $60,000 in pot and $5,000 in equipment, police reported.
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Also on the cover Sept. 3, 1997: Council’s deliberation over the idea of a casino.
Council had received a request from the Lotteries Advisory Committee asking council to say whether they were for or against local gambling in this community. Oak Bay, like Esquimalt, opted for a third option: to say nothing at all, leaving the matter open for discussion should an application be filed.
Ad Watch
September, 1987:
• Prime dinner with Yorkshire pudding, $12.95, Village Inn
• BC Bartlett pears, 3lb/$1, Lewis Low Cost
editor@oakbaynews.com