At Monday’s council session, time was spent on the EDPA bylaw and little attention to the draft preliminary framework for the Uptown Douglas Corridor Plan. I spoke to the topic but left because the next two hours was taken up by EDPA speakers.
Numerous residents did speak in support of urban enhancement elements of the plan but ignored the bigger planning issues for what is not a typical residential neighborhood. The Saanich planners have listened to a few residents and presented their “11 big moves” which seemingly ignore the reality of the area as a critical retail/business area. I urged Council to reject the draft plan and send it back for considerable reworking.
This is a complex topic of considerable importance to our municipality and I urge that you monitor the subject and offer some commentary on the issues.
James Anderson
Saanich