Vote for who you like
Municipal elections can be confusing, so just keep it simple on Nov. 19 and vote for who you like! Our election survey can help you figure out who that is.
We won! Lessons learned from the campaign trail
We won! Last week, after two years of controversy, an application to build nearly 300 houses along the Juan de Fuca trail was denied by the Capital Regional District board. Some take home lessons from the campaign trail...
We did it!
After three days of hearings and 200 presentations a precedent-setting proposal for urban sprawl on southern Vancouver Island has been defeated.
Tip of the iceberg
Ender Ilkay’s proposal to build nearly 300 vacation homes next to the Juan de Fuca trail (and the controversy surrounding it) is a blessing in disguise because it shines a spotlight on our land use decision making system.
Why the CRD is broken (and how to fix it)
The Capital Regional District on Vancouver Island has a solid regional growth strategy but lacks the ability to enforce its own plan to preserve farmland and forests.
The New Battle for Vancouver Island
Vancouver Islanders have a long and proud history of standing up for our home: in boardrooms, court rooms, classrooms and in the forests to preserve some of the most incredible natural areas anywhere in the world. The new battle to save Vancouver Island is a battle against reckless development.
Taking the Wilderness Out of the Trail
On the evening of February 15th, the Juan de Fuca Land Use Committee gave preliminary approval for Ender Ilkay’s plan to build 300 vacation houses on the Juan de Fuca trail. This guest blog by Bobby Arbess is about the proposed development and what it means for the wilderness trail.
A Dangerous Precedent
In land use planning there is no such thing as a one time exception: every rezoning amendment and every extension of municipal services to a rural area sets a precedent.
Moratorium Now
The proposal to build nearly 300 cabins, a lodge, and considerable infrastructure along the Juan de Fuca trail is ridiculous.
Whose Voice Counts?
Municipal and regional governments are uniquely participatory structures. Small constituencies and the proximity between elected officials and the public offers people a chance to have significant influence on the decision making process. This reality, combined with efforts that local governments make to solicit participation gives credence to the adage that democracy belongs to those who show up.
Protecting Vancouver Island
What make's Vancouver Island's special to you? Our local natural spaces are an essential part of our community. Local voices join the campaign to keep them green.
Take Action - Capital Regional District Land Purchase
Take action to protect our coastal areas and forest lands. And, check out a discussion with Vicky Husband about the CRD's purchase of 2300 ha of land in the Juan de Fuca region
Central Saanich's Rogue Council
Central Saanich was a model for sustainable planning, that is until a new municipal council (with some councilors funded by real estate interests) won a controversial election. Since then, the council has operated like a run away train with councilors openly refusing to declare conflicts of interest and shouting and bullying each other at meetings...
