Sidney, N. Saanich should complement each other

I have sent an open letter to North Saanich council and residents in regard to the current debate over the Sandown development.

In it, I point out that Sidney and North Saanich have had a long-standing symbiotic relationship whereby Sidney has always been the retail, commercial centre, while North Saanich maintains the more rural, agrarian focus. This relationship has worked well and been fostered for many generations.

It is even engrained in Sidney’s official community plan, which states: “The town will endeavour to manage its growth in order to permit other municipalities to promote rural lifestyles and communities. … The town will promote industrial and commercial growth, and by permitting responsible residential densification, the town will help ease the pressures of growth on rural communities.”

We certainly are not suggesting that North Saanich council abandon a project that may bring great benefit to their community, only that they consider the impact on Sidney. I encourage North Saanich council to find the right mix of green industries, complementary light high-tech commercial and residential uses for Sandown properties that would complement our shared downtown area. The result can be a win/win for North Saanich and Sidney.

It’s not too late for North Saanich council and the Randall family to change course on this project and make it something complementary to our two communities. Steve Price, mayor Town of Sidney