The Editor,
Re: "How not to fight with city hall," Opinion, July 29.
Helpful advice would have been a far better use of this column. I was disappointed when I read the points offered by Mr.
Claxton, it wasn't until the end I realized the "painful truth" he offered citizens was simply that your vote counts, if you don't like the voting records of councillors then vote them out.
While this is ultimately the most powerful right we have as voters, it will not solve the problem at hand.
I have spoken so many times at council meetings that I can offer a less negative option, get involved. By learning how the system works, you can make change in your community. I know it is easier to just say nothings going to happen, no-one is going to listen to me. But that is actually incorrect.
Here are my suggestions, because fighting a development proposal in your neighborhood is stressful and the planned changes will affect the quality of your life.
? Read the development applications published in the newspapers;
? Go to the planning committee meetings and council meetings;
? Learn about the current zoning and what the proposed zoning is;
? Write a letter to council and to the public to inform everyone of your opposition, others will feel the same way and there is power in a grass roots movement;
? Find a compromise that you can live with and offer a solution instead of just complaints;
? Write a letter with your suggestion for a compromise to council;
? Follow through with a visit to a council meeting, speak to your issue;
? Be visible: with signs, flyers or whatever you can do to gain public support;
? Meet with the developer to try and find a compromise.
In my experience, many times city council will change the proposals to better reflect what the neighbors are asking for. Be persistent it encourages council and city staff to be honest. The new Official Community Plan is about to be become the new direction of the city, what do you think about the changes and increases in density?
I have presented briefs and opposing opinions on high density townhouses, a illegal pub, the Garden City Lands, Fantasy Gardens ,the mega expansion of a institution on No. 5 Road, and the jet fuel tank farm and facilities.
During these presentations, I have learned that if you are reasonable and offer solutions and not just criticism you can convince some councilors to change their position.
This is our city and we have to fight for developments that make sense, we should never sacrifice one neighbourhood for another.
It is worth your time so get involved, you can do it.
Carol Day Richmond
