Rezoning decision ignored residents’ concerns
Rules.
There are those who follow them because they are the rules, sometimes even blindly. There are people who go against them because they are the rules. And there are people who question the rules because what was once a valid reason for a rule can often change over time.
The same goes for process. Procedures are set in place for a reason, but over time life changes and procedures need to change as well.
Such was the vote at the Cape Breton Regional Municipality council meeting on Wednesday. Some councillors used the procedural rules to vote yes to rezoning. Some questioned the validity of the procedures. These are the forward-thinking individuals who recognize that some procedures no longer fit the necessary environmental protections that are needed to preserve the status and quality of the Bras d’Or Lake and its crucial filtering ponds.
I applaud the councillors who took a stand and voted against this rezoning for two of the most important reasons.: 1. Environmental
It is every citizen’s responsibility to protect the environment regardless of procedure, or “not my responsibility, it’s someone else’s responsibility” or “legally I don’t have a responsibility.” You have a greater one,. It’s called a moral and ethical responsibility.
2. Local residents
Oh yes, they had their democratic rights exercised as they had a chance to speak to council. Well, they spoke. They spoke with accuracy, detailed information, intelligence and passion. Their voices were heard by some, six councillors in fact, and ignored by six councillors and the mayor.
Who should have the strongest voice in this? Who is most impacted by this? The residents. Above all else their voices should have been the priority because they are the people who will have to live with this decision, if this development goes through.
Shame on those who voted for rezoning. Shame on those who did not honour the rights of a community to determine their quality of life. Shame on you for following procedure when the environment should be the number one consideration, regardless of procedure and legal responsibilities. Again, this is 2018. Anyone ignoring this fact and, yes, passing the buck, will be on the wrong side of history.
Thank you to those who question the rules, who question procedure, as it is only the forward thinking who advance our society rather than maintain the status quo.
RV park and campground developer Chris Skidmore would have had a better reception if he had met with the Big Pond residents and considered what suited their landscape and lifestyle. The clear answer would be a retreat, an inn, chalets or hiking trails. Anything with a less devastating environmental footprint that would create far more jobs than a couple hundred concrete RV pads. All rural areas should be protected and any development considered should be on a reasonable scale.
I’m sure Big Pond residents and rural residents in CBRM must revile the day that they were forced into amalgamation, where they have lost their voice in determining what happens in their very own community. One can only hope that the other levels of government will step up.
Elizabeth MacLeod
Herring Cove and part-time Big Pond resident