Dear editor,
A couple of comments regarding quotes in the Record article of May 25, Final OK for controversial Courtenay tree bylaw.
Firstly, Mayor Jangula’s comment that “We yielded to a special interest group” in reference to the CV Conservation Partnership, a not-for-profit project of the CV Land Trust Society. Their “special interest” is in working towards protecting the diminishing natural attributes of this valley that contribute so much to the quality of life of all who live and visit here. This group also represented substantial public opinion in favour of mature tree retention aspects of the draft bylaw, as denoted in the public survey conducted by the City. Unfortunately this public opinion was not voiced by our elected officials during the proceedings of the two select committee meetings that were held. Instead Jangula and Coun. Eriksson adopted a pro-development stance during these talks, so it is no wonder that “common ground” could not be found, as bemoaned by Eriksson. The CV Construction and Developers Association, very much a “special interest group” ( profit oriented), had no incentive to compromise.
Bill Heidrick
Courtenay