PENINSULA
NEWS REVIEW
Injured porpoise rescued
Residents along Towner Bay in North Saanich rally to help save a stranded porpoise, page 5
Black Press C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
M E D I A
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
The candidates
The News Review continues its profiles of the eight candidates running for two council seats in Central Saanich, page 3
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Housing debate rages on Residents reach some concensus on densities; how to implement change still hounds district council Steven Heywood News staff
Fundamental differences on housing issues still exist between factions on the council of North Saanich and a recent public open house on the matter has not resolved them. On March 27, the consulting firm (CTQ) hired by the district to lead the community through an analysis of housing density issues with the goal of helping set a direction for council, held a final open house. An estimated 150 people filled a room at the Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church and nearly 30 of them took the chance to speak directly to councillors. Opinions and comments were varied. The main issue continues to be the need for diverse housing options, contrasted by the desire to prevent urban sprawl and the loss of agriculTed Daly tural land. While most speakers expressed support for new forms of housing and higher densities, there were significant differences in how this could be achieved. “In the final analysis, there was no clear consensus on the issue of higher densities as a matter of policy although some expressed strong support,� stated Mayor Alice Finall in an email. Please see: Housing final report expected soon, page 7
Steven Heywood/News staff
Kelly Paul of the Tsartlip First Nation (front, right) runs with supporters Bernice Smith, Geordie Murray and Krystal Brown. Paul is getting ready to run more than 530 kilometres in an effort to raise suicide awareness in Island First Nation communities. See page 19 for the story.