Dear Editor,
Recently Council voted 4-3 to put the Docks Bylaw into effect, which bans docks at Cape Roger Curtis. At the public hearing we heard there could be dialogue about docks between the owners at the Cape and the community – before the vote. And we heard that some time after a positive vote, a law suit would be launched. No-one said there could be no dialogue between a vote and a law suit.
It would be nice to think that there could be a breathing space now. And in that space could be at least one respectful, facilitated dialogue with no expectation of a resolution, just discussion. Each ‘side’ needs to feel that their opponents have heard and really understand their perspectives. Otherwise we turn each other into cartoon villains.
Usually you meet your neighbour before you meet their lawyer. Dialogue might foster a more welcoming community, and make the Cape a more attractive place to live. That would be worth a lot more in PR than a civil war in court.
With the bylaw, it’s as if the community just won a video game: we’re moving up a level and getting some new powers. But the game isn’t over and I wonder how we could play it better.
John Dowler
