Per numerous scientific studies, it is impossible to provide an adequate buffer zone to preserve Bowker Creek for salmon and wildlife per SD61B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s proposal for the sale and development of the Lansdowne School property.
Future consideration should more rationally include the highest and best use for the students we support, which includes SD61B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s land.
Consider revegetating the land using native plants to restore and preserve the Bowker Creek watershed, perhaps as a school project, and for a park. First NationsB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™ involvement in such a project should be gratefully solicited and welcomed.
Lansdowne students, including students and staff in SD61, at nearby Camosun, and from UVIC, along with community participation, would all benefit. This is a win-win for both the students, their education, our health, and proper stewardship of our environment.
Oak Bay HighB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s student project to support Bowker Creek is but one example toward this type of success.
Note: in Scandinavia, lobbyists are banned by law.
Ballots contain what people pay their taxes for, by category and subcategory: education, environment, health, transportation, infrastructure. Voters choose for each subcategory: do they want to pay the same, more, or less?
Politicians there follow the votersB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™ wishes. If so, they may be re-elected, or elected to higher office. This is democracy in action.
I look forward to witnessing adult salmon return to Bowker Creek.
Marlene Oliver
Saanich