Time for another look at Saanich governance
Times Colonist Letters
May 16, 2015
Re: “Saanich, Langford still mum on merger,” May 8.
As a market gardener with ambitions for a sidewalk farm stand in Saanich, it’s fun to read another article on regional governance and imagine a conversation based on past experiences in Saanich and Victoria.
Despite lots of talk and many plans, there are still are no farm markets in Saanich and a revised regional sustainability plan leaves agriculture stuck in preservation mode, rather than its realization as a dynamic, functional economic sector with multiple potentials.
Its hard to remain loyal to the District of Saanich when the proposed changes of six months ago, including the formation of an agriculture task force, are so slow to materialize. Still I’m thinking that we citizens of Saanich can form governance structures that inspire creative responses, facilitate wellness, localize decision-making and address challenges in a meaningful, empowering and more participatory way.
With our new government finally finding its feet, perhaps it’s time to try again. Let’s hope so.
Dean Rebneris
Saanich
© Copyright Times Colonist
- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/time-for-another-look-at-saanich-governance-1.1937549#sthash.Jf7c0046.dpuf
Times Colonist Letters
May 16, 2015
Re: “Saanich, Langford still mum on merger,” May 8.
As a market gardener with ambitions for a sidewalk farm stand in Saanich, it’s fun to read another article on regional governance and imagine a conversation based on past experiences in Saanich and Victoria.
Despite lots of talk and many plans, there are still are no farm markets in Saanich and a revised regional sustainability plan leaves agriculture stuck in preservation mode, rather than its realization as a dynamic, functional economic sector with multiple potentials.
Its hard to remain loyal to the District of Saanich when the proposed changes of six months ago, including the formation of an agriculture task force, are so slow to materialize. Still I’m thinking that we citizens of Saanich can form governance structures that inspire creative responses, facilitate wellness, localize decision-making and address challenges in a meaningful, empowering and more participatory way.
With our new government finally finding its feet, perhaps it’s time to try again. Let’s hope so.
Dean Rebneris
Saanich
© Copyright Times Colonist
- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/time-for-another-look-at-saanich-governance-1.1937549#sthash.Jf7c0046.dpuf