The District of Saanich has been very busy, with many projects on the go. Citizens can get dizzy just trying to keep up.
I strongly believe that Saanich is overbuilding, overstaffed and overspending. This is not sustainable. The municipality has created a vision that is out of synch with what residents want.
It is wrong to see our taxes go up faster than the cost of living, and the added weight of alternative approval process initiatives further intensifies the debt. At this rate, we and our children will be paying principal and interest on these incurred debts for many years to come. This feels like an out-of-control spending spree. This must be trimmed back so that we can harmonize expenditures to sustainable tax dollars.
Projects in Saanich continue to chisel away at our precious wildlife habitat, green spaces, farmland, backyard gardens, skylines, affordable housing, corridors and forests. The current development boom and extensive roadway construction are seriously eroding our family neighbourhoods. Saanich is, after all, a family-oriented neighbourhood.
Saanich council is our trusted elected officials, elected to advocate for our citizens. Saanich residents and taxpayers have a vested interest in the place where they live and are deeply impacted by the decision-making of council and municipal employees. Community members are stakeholders and are not being given a say on initiatives. It seems council is representing developers and lobbyists, not the citizens.
Density is not creating affordability – the proof is in the numbers.
Sadly, bike lanes and traffic calming initiatives are not creating the desired effect – these massive projects feel like an expensive experiment. Residents are not choosing bike lanes or public transit for numerous obvious reasons – safety being number one. This is evident in the nearly naked bike lanes, heavy traffic congestion and often empty buses. We need to stop glossing over the facts.
Parking has become a nightmare for residents. We need to supply sufficient parking for all new builds and not burden the taxpayer with the costs. With our current demographic of families, working professionals, seniors and students, and a city of this scope and complexity, most people require vehicles and somewhere to park, whether traditional or electric.
The cost of new construction infrastructure must not be unfairly burdened on residents. Building heights in the plans are off the charts, and most residents want these pulled back to reflect the character of this family community.
Let's revisit these initiatives together and create an affordable plan that reflects our gently growing community.
Jenus Friesen
Saanich
