Dear Editor,
There is a critical lesson for our community regarding the issue of inappropriate, monster docks in the open waters of Cape Rogers Curtis. That entire scenario was ill conceived from the beginning as it was in contravention of the existing covenant and OCP provisions which pertain specifically to Cape Rogers Curtis. The result was the creation of a structural, environmental and legal boondoggle.
The lesson we need to learn is rather obvious. It is contained in the statement given by the late Art Phillips, former Mayor of Vancouver, when our OCP was created. He expressed his admiration for our community plan by stating that its policies and provisions will avoid many of the mistakes made by municipalities on the mainland. He then advised us to stay the course in upholding our OCP if we are to avoid those mistakes. Accordingly, with the passage of bylaw No. 381, our current council has acted with integrity in abiding by the covenant and OCP provisions pertaining to Cape Rogers Curtis.
If we are to move forward as a community in a positive framework, the way for us to avoid polarization and a chain reaction of problems is to keep supporting and implementing the objectives, policies, and provisions of our OCP. Our OCP is a progressive plan for sustainable development which reflects the democratic agenda of its people. By supporting and implementing its provisions, we not only uphold community planning but give everyone the timely and vital message that our democracy and our community remain squarely where they belong, in the hands of all islanders.
John Sbragi
