Another large crowd attended today’s public hearing, and over the 4 hour session, only one presenter spoke in favour of Genstar’s plan. High profile speakers including Adrianne Carr of the Green party, and Paul George, founder of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, spoke against the development and also spoke against the 20 year Phased development Agreement calling it an afront to democracy. Speakers also critisized the buisiness case for the proposal which lacked key elements necessary to predict and manage financial impacts to Mission taxpayers. District staff admitted that some ammenities will be financed by increases in property taxes for Silverdale residents. The more question people ask- the more gaps are revealed in the planning of this massive proposal. The hearing will resume Tuesday Oct. 28/08, 6:30 at the Best Western. All concerned citizens should attend and make their views known. Everyone’s voice matters.
Tag: genstar public hearing
Council fails in attempt to exhaust speakers at Silverdale Public Hearing
Mission council changed the rules when they resumed the Public Hearing Wednesday Oct. 22, announcing that the hearing would continue all night until the speakers list was exhausted. Several speakers protested this motion, particularly those who had to work the next morning, and others who were expecting to make their presentations Thursday. After a recess at 10:40, council returned at 11:00 pm and changed the rules again to have the hearing continue until midnight. Citizens expressed numerous concerns about wildlife impacts, traffic congestion, and the inappropriateness of holding the hearings so close to the municipal election. Several people called for a district-wide referendum so that all Mission residents would have a chance to express their support or opposition to to the biggest development proposal in Mission’s history. The hearing will continue Thursday Oct. 24//08, 6:30 at the Best Western. All concerned citizens should come to the hearing to make their views known.