Three requests for community input that merit your support have been received from heritage advocates about the proposed demolition at 1231 Victoria and a related reminder of the proposed Blair Gowie development. Read more…
"To move forward on Secondary Suites at this time would be to make a decision based on emotion, rather than one based on logic, as to what is best for our community and its residents. Instead, I believe that we need to look at an overall housing strategy for Oak Bay that fits in with our Official Community Plan." Past Councillor Hazel Braithwaite
Oak Bay Lodge Debacle
Submitted by Editor on Sat, 11/26/2011 - 07:14Recently, Council voted to deny variances requested for a new Oak Bay Lodge (OBL). This action stopped, at least for the moment, further consideration of the project. Most attendees at the meeting focussed their questions on two issues – the design of a new six story building and poor process (i.e., a lack of timely, solid information flow from the Baptist Housing Society (BHS) and VIHA to Council and the community.
Oak Bay Lodge
Submitted by Editor on Sun, 11/20/2011 - 20:16Many of you are aware of the need to renew (i.e., to completely rebuild), the current Oak Bay Lodge (OBL) with a new and improved facility – and that Council has scheduled a meeting at the Monterey Centre for this on Monday (21 November) starting at 7:00pm. A group of relatively well-informed and concerned residents has asked for support from the FOBN to muster a more widely based level of interest and attendance for the Monday meeting. This residents’ group has carefully avoided being anything other than objective in seeking proper regard for due proce
Healthy Urban UnGulates Haven – HUGH in Oak Bay
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 09/07/2011 - 19:39Continued procrastination by Politicians and Staff at all levels of Government is placing your personal safety, health and property at increasing levels of risk.
Common Themes with room for Differing Views
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 08/23/2011 - 20:17In his interesting letter to Focus magazine (April 2011), Anthony Mears offers several thoughtful comments about legalizing Secondary Suites in Oak Bay. He cites the often mentioned fact that Oak Bay Council seems committed to violating its own Community Plan despite the obvious and drastic change such an ill-advised action would be. He also suggests the current non-enforcement practise is working – because the community is not co
How could communications with the public be improved?
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 08/10/2011 - 19:35Following the April 12, 2011 Oak Bay Town Hall Meeting and in response to items in the discussion summary, Michael Wilmut sent a letter to Mayor and Council suggesting ways that communication with the public could be improved. In addition to the improvements suggested in his letter, several residents have recommended that Oak Bay Council Meetings should adopt the practice of presenting Agenda Items via a projector and screen syst
Oak Bay resident questions logic behind secondary suites issue
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 07/05/2011 - 20:50Anthony Mears states: "The reality is when suites are legalized very few existing illegal suites get regulated and taxed. However, what the municipality does get is a significant increase in illegal suites." See full letter at: Anthony Mears "Better logic required on secondary suite issue", Oak Bay News, June 14, 2011
Why should the Blair Gowie heritage designation be reversed?
Submitted by Editor on Sun, 05/15/2011 - 18:18Please support the Heritage Advocates in trying to stop Council from reneging on its previous and duly processed designation of the Blair Gowie property as a heritage site.
Professional Statistician casts doubts on Secondary Suites Survey
Submitted by Editor on Sun, 05/08/2011 - 18:10In his letter to Mayor and Council, Steve Bowker, a professional statistician, has described why the Secondary Suites Survey was and remains an invalid document. To set a quote from his letter in context, the number of illegal suites in Oak Bay has been acknowledged to be as low as 800 (by Councillor Jensen) to a more likely number of at least 1,500. To quote Mr.
Oak Bay Municipality wants a Public Engagement Facilitator
Submitted by Editor on Sat, 04/09/2011 - 18:50Take a look at the Oak Bay RFP for a Public Engagement Facilitator Regarding Secondary Suites. Of particular note are points such as:
