Oak Bay residents lost a perfect option

Re: “They gambled and lost with the Quest proposal in Oak Bay,” commentary, April 23.

Some salient facts were left out. The Quest proposal should not have been a gamble, but the game was rigged.

It should not be a gamble when a development proposal aligns with the objectives and goals of the Official Community Plan, a document that is literally written by the people, for the people.

Uncertainty for developers is supposed to be mitigated through the official plan and municipal policies and procedures.

The Quest proposal was supported unanimously by staff as well as the Advisory Planning Committee and Advisory Design Panel. Both of these groups are comprised of industry professionals who volunteer to review applications and provide recommendations to council.

One wonders why this proposal didn’t go to public hearing. It could be argued that it should be standard procedure to go to a public hearing to protect the public interest.

It is a travesty of process when elected officials can apply their own self-interest and ignore their advisory bodies, policies, procedures and staff, and by extension disrespect the entire community.

It is not a councillor’s job to decide if they “like” a project or if they “feel it is too big,” or to impose policy that doesn’t exist. It is their job to assure good governance. It came as no surprise that the provincial government is considering stepping in.

The Quest project would have provided a perfect option for those of us who live in Oak Bay and wish to downsize and remain property owners in Oak Bay in a modern building (which exceeds the B.C. Energy Step Code) with all of the ensuing safety features and conveniences.

Edward Lien Victoria