Cairine Green - Still Putting North Saanich Residents First: 09/01/2011

NORTH SAANICH WINS SECOND COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD IN TWO YEARS

North Saanich won another UBCM Community Excellence Award for its Whole Agricultural Strategy, awarded at this week's Convention in Vancouver. This marks the second award in two years recognizing the municipality's leadership on new and innovative initiatives. Mayor Alice Finall, Councilor Cairine Green and CAO Rob Buchan were on hand to proudly accept this year's award, one that recognizes communities from across the Province. North Saanich won its last Community Excellence Award for its Jump Bike Park, presented at the 2009 UBCM Convention.

Reaching the Right People at the Right Time

I joined other Council members and senior staff in a communications workshop arranged by our Chief Administrative Officer Rob Buchan and Mayor Alice Finall. The impetus for this workshop was the need to coordinate communication to the public from Mayor and Council and the municipality on all major projects and events in which the District is involved. Improving communication with residents and the community has been a priority for this Council and municipal administration, particularly in the past three years.

We learned that key to good communication is the ability to "reach the right people at the right time" and that good communication should be:

strategic
consistent
timely
build on strengths and successes
proactive
reflect best practices
prioritized

Good communication should also be open and timely with the goal of reaching the broader community but also focusing on groups who are most affected by an issue, event or decision. Good communication practices help an organization such as local government to anticipate questions and issues from the public with facts.

It is also important to get enough information, the right information at the right time. Issues/questions raised by Council members included:

communicating more effectively with youth
knowing how and when to use the media
focusing on key messages
staff's role in information-sharing
managing the truth (fact vs. fiction)

The workshop concluded with a survey that asked us general questions about the importance of communication at various levels of the organization and will be used to inform the development of a District-wide communications strategy.

I found the workshop to be valuable and informative and I thank staff for their part in arranging this learning experience. I hope that what we learned will translate to how effectively the District, staff and Council members communicate in the future with North Saanich residents.

SEPTEMBER 12 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AND COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Victoria Airport Authority Unveils Master Plan

In a presentation to Council, VAA's Marketing Manager Terry Stewart outlined their Master Development Plan, including a new business park proposed for Willingdon Rd. involving conversion to light industrial of 43 acres of Federal farmland. In response to Council's concern about the potential loss of productive land, the VAA explained that there is no Agricultural Land Reserve to protect federal lands but despite this, the VAA continues to farm large tracts of their land around the airport.

But in what I think is a groundbreaking move, the Airport Authority has offered to donate to North Saanich all the topsoil from the Willingdon Rd. construction site for local farmland remediation as well as nearly four acres of parkland on Mills Rd., adjacent to the Anglican Church overlooking Pat Bay. Uses for this land could include locating the North Saanich Farm Market there during the summer season. Terry Stewart acknowledged the cooperation and significant input of Municipal staff in these discussions, noting specifically the positive efforts of our CAO Rob Buchan.

Other North Saanich community amenities under consideration as part of the VAA's Plan include new cycle and walking paths, enhanced public transit, completion of local heritage projects, rainwater management, solar/geo-thermal heating and LEED standard buildings. A unique feature of the proposed Willingdon Rd. business park site is the design, which will be built in a circular shape described as a "campus" that will also expand the airport's existing approach to responsible environmental stewardship.

The VAA concluded with a request for municipal validation of the Plan, part of the required approval process, despite the fact North Saanich has no jurisdiction over federal land. But I was happy to make a motion last night recommending validation in principle, subject to addressing some questions from Council and audience members, through a brief North Saanich staff report, that will be presented to us on September 19.

In closing, I believe that North Saanich enjoys a positive relationship with the VAA through a partnership that provides a variety of community amenities, such as cycle paths, Hospital Hill heritage restoration, rainwater management in and around the airport, intersection improvements at MacDonald Park and Mills Roads, water and drainage improvements to North Saanich infrastructure and, of course, increased tax revenues and new jobs that accompany new business and economic development.

I commend the Victoria Airport Authority for its excellent corporate citizenship and its proven track record in working with local government to find innovative solutions to shared concerns. Yes, an airport in the heart of the community creates issues and is challenging for residents and the municipality but this working partnership between the VAA and the District of North Saanich reflects the very best of a shared commitment to community-building and well-being.

For more information about the VAA, please visit their website at: http://www.victoriaairport.com/services-and-facilities

Sandown Property Out of the Gate

The first legal steps to moving the Sandown proposal forward were made following deliberation of two comprehensive staff reports (on required legalities/traffic and environmental reports) and lengthy Council debate at both the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings. Some amendments were made to accommodate what I believe were last minute objections by Councilor Browne (shared by Councilor Mearns), despite their being part of the discussions and privy to all staff reports occurring since May 2011.

The proposal now goes to the ALC but it only meets once more this calendar year (October) and then not again until April 2012 so timing was critical. And the Commission is the first step to changing the designation of Sandown to facilitate the current proposal. If the ALC says no, the proposal stops there. To delay the decision to begin the legal approvals could jeopardize the entire proposal so I am gratified with Council's decision to move forward with first steps.

Note:

Another public Town Hall meeting will be held on September 20, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the District Hall, 1620 Mills Road.

Municipal Auditor-General Causes Interesting Debate

Not everyone on Council is convinced by the suggestion from the Provincial Government to establish an Office of the Municipal Auditor-General to oversee municipal budgeting and financial management.

I believe that this idea is unnecessary and potentially costly to municipal taxpayers, an opinion shared by some other Council members and by many colleagues across BC. We are also reminded that current provincial legislation provides for both an Inspector of Municipalities and provisions that prevent municipalities from running deficits so why the need for more oversight? And in view of the Province's concerns about potential financial hardship because of the recently-defeated HST, how can it rationalize all the costs in setting up another bureaucracy?

I am sure that this will be a hot topic of debate at the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities' Annual Convention, when municipalities from all over the province gather together to contemplate their future.

ONE PASSED, ONE DEFERRED

At a September 7 Special Council Meeting to host a public hearing for two newly revised by-laws, one was approved but the new zoning by-law was referred back to staff for further research and clarification following good questions and points raised by a local resident during the Public Hearing, points that were also acknowledged and shared by Council. The zoning by-law review has been a work in progress since Spring 2008 when the former Mayor and Council started the process. What precipitated the review to amend the zoning by-law was because it was inconsistent with provisions of the 2007 Official Community Plan, thereby leaving the Municipality potentially exposed, both legally and in relation to zoning bylaw interpretation.

I am hopeful that the amended zoning by-law will be adopted before the end of this Council's term, given that it has taken 3 and a half years to complete the review. This was a necessary and significant body of work and Mayor Alice Finall and staff should be commended for moving the process forward.

Mark Your Calendars

Please Note

Regular council meetings are on a regular weekly schedule. Please check the District of North Saanich website for exact dates, times and agendas of our meetings.

2011 Neighbourhood Meetings Schedule
Unless otherwise posted, all meetings will be held at the North Saanich Municipal Hall, 1620 Mills Road, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
-- Sept. 6 - Curteis Point/Lands End
-- Oct. 11 - Deep Cove/Pat Bay

Farmlands Trust Society
If anyone is interested, please http://www.farmlandstrust.ca/

Transition News
For more information and details about Transition Victoria and its upcoming events and activities related to community development and awareness, please visit their website at http://transitionvictoria.wordpress.com/

Procedures Positively Impact Council Decision-Making

Residents have asked me what the difference is between a regular Council Meeting and a Committee of the Whole Meeting. As you know, Mayor and Council introduced new procedures (effective May 25/09) that change the manner in which Council makes decisions. Here are the key points to remember:

1) Committee of the Whole meetings occur every other week, are less formal and allow greater public participation and spontaneity during Council debate.

2) Committee of the Whole motions are similar to recommendations; that is, all Committee of the Whole motions are forwarded to the next regular Council meeting for a final discussion, debate and voting.

3) At a Committee of the Whole Meeting, when making motions, a Council member does not need a seconder to validate the motion.

4) The week between the Committee of the Whole Meeting and the regular Council Meeting provides an opportunity for Council members to reflect on their Committee of the Whole decisions/motions, review existing information and/or gather new information about an agenda item and/or conduct follow up with staff and/or concerned members of the public -- provides an opportunity for "sober second thought."

Commission/Committee News

The following highlights my activity on CRD-related Committees and N.S. Commissions that I attend on behalf of North Saanich. Below is my report to Mayor and Council on my Council Liaison activities to March 31, 2011:

CRD REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND BOARD (RHTF)
Since my last report in July, the RHTF continues its proactive funding approval of various affordable and lower cost housing applications, in conjunction with non-profit organizations and the Regional Housing Corporation Board. Mayor Chris Causton Chairs the meetings and although we have not met frequently since my last report, we had an "end of the year" meeting the second week of December. Cost of living and government funding issues are always on the minds of members as well as the need to stretch the funding as far as it can go to meet regional needs. Next year may bring changes to funding and I have requested that in North Saanich's case, we refer to our budget deliberations the question of potentially increasing our annual contribution above the current formula, on an ad hoc basis.

HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMISSION (HAC)
At the February meeting, Susan Banas was elected Commission Chair and Ann Aylard was elected Vice-Chair. CAO Rob Buchan attended to conduct an excellent orientation for new and existing members. At the March meeting, the Commission reviewed a draft public education document for prospective heritage registrations, received an update on Hospital Hill, discussed the now vacant First Nations Liaison position, reviewed the new Heritage brochure, talked about the May 15th Open House at the municipal hall and discussed with staffer Jessica Lam the strategic plan and progress to date and for coming years. A new youth member also attended the meeting, Michell Allen, from Parkland High School. Although we did not expect her to attend this meeting, all members welcomed her and it was decided that Susan Banas, Jessica Lam and me would meet later to talk about the role of youth members and the need to involve Councilor Peter Chandler to ensure that youth members feel valued and have meaningful activities assigned to them (that meeting did occur and was most successful). The Commission has welcomed enthusiastic and skilled new members and is now operating at what I would describe as an optimum level. The combination of new members, the commitment of existing members and ongoing staff support has been invaluable to helping provide continuity and focus to the work during the past year.

GREATER VICTORIA LABOUR RELATIONS ASSOCIATION (GVLRA)
Little change has occurred since my last report. I have attended further meetings and thus far, there is labour peace in the region. Mayors John Raans of Metchosin and Barb Desjardins of Esquimalt are Chair and Vice-Chair respectfully. These meetings remain in-camera given the sensitivity of labour relations and contract negotiation throughout the region. I will continue to attend for 2011 as the Mayor's Alternate.

SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

We addressed correspondence on monitoring toxins and pharmaceuticals at Hartland Landfill, on an asbestos exposure control program and an Environmental Sustainability Committee staff report on the Hartland Landfill Environmental Program. I raised the issue of fill on agricultural land, asking if it could be defined as "solid waste." CRD staff indicated and I understand that this is an ALC issue and regulations are within their mandate, in partnership with individual municipalities. There was also discussion about general composting regulations and bylaws related to farms that may be introducing large scale composting as part of their operation. To be continued...

PENINSULA AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION

We discussed updates on a geese management strategy, the Saanich garden and kitchen waste program proposal in light of the CRD's postponing their program and the need for an approach generally that would favour farmers, the Saanich municipality's purchase of Panama Flats, Stanhope Dairy Farms compost operation and recent issues with truck traffic and highlights of the agricultural strategy implementation that involves land base, resource stewardship and education and outreach.

There was also an election of officers for 2011, as follows:
* Chair - Bob Maxwell
* Vice Chair - shared with Jerry Mussio and Flora Wood
* Treasurer - Bev Marley

There were no individual sub-committee reports but there was a lengthy discussion on the need for an organic cooperative approach to manure collection for farm use, given that there is a lack of available composting material as soil amendment. This may also involve the ALC, given that there is a regulation preventing the sale of off-farm compost.

SAANICH PENINSULA WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION
North Saanich resident Geoff Orr was re-elected to position of Chair and Sidney Councilor Mervyn Lougher-Goodey was re-elected Vice-Chair. Councilor Ruby Commandeur was welcomed, replacing Councilor Peter Chandler. At the Water meeting, we discussed the 2011 membership list, line and meter reading, water watch and the regional water supply. At the Wastewater meeting, we had presentations from CRD staffers on emissions responsibilities and carbon accounting, thermal energy recovery and bio-solids management program proposed pilot study. The last issue has raised some controversy and debate related to agriculture and more information was requested from CRD staff by members. We also received a copy of the Saanich Peninsula Liquid Waste Management Plan, originally published in 1996 and amended and consolidated in 2009.

REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND
No meetings since my last report.

Tips to Protect Your Home

PROTECTING YOUR HOME

As spring approaches and we spend more time outside and away from our homes, the following are tips that might help to protect you and your home from an unwanted visitor, the break-in artist or burglar. I find these tips useful things to remember and I hope you will too. For more information, please contact your local police department and in our case, the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP at their non-emergency number, 250-656-3931. If your neighbourhood does not have a Neighbourhood Watch or Block Watch program, you might think about starting one.

THIRTEEN THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at http://www.faketv.com/)

MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again... If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

For the Record

"Cairine is a strong voice for environmental protection and land use that respects the rural integrity and quality of life in North Saanich." -- Mark Horne, (Partner, HORNE-COUPAR, Barristers and Solicitors), Member of "One Per Cent for the Planet," and past Vice-Chair of The Land Conservancy "Ours Forever" Campaign.

"Cairine works tirelessly for the benefit of the people of North Saanich, and can always be relied on to listen to the public and fairly represent their wishes at Council." -- Hugh and Christine Richards, North Saanich

DISCLAIMER

The information contained on this blog is for general information purposes and reflects my own opinions and viewpoints only. This blog is to keep people up-to-date on the issues that are important to the residents of North Saanich. It is not intended to endorse, represent or favour any other person or website.

This website has the ability to allow readers to link to other websites which are not under my control and, as such, I have no control over the nature, content or reliability of those sites. Therefore, the inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply endorsement of those sites.

Cairine Green - Still Putting North Saanich Residents First

NORTH SAANICH WINS SECOND COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD IN TWO YEARS

Reaching the Right People at the Right Time

SEPTEMBER 12 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AND COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

ONE PASSED, ONE DEFERRED

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