Hopes of a summer’s day pint at the park were quickly shot down Monday night.
Saanich Council rejected a temporary bylaw that would have allowed consumption of alcohol at 14 district parks until Sept. 14.
Not only was the bylaw defeated, but it was also done so without discussion. In a rare occurrence, the Council voted against the proposal before getting past the first reading.
Mayor Fred Haynes and Councillors Karen Harper, Nathalie Chambers, Susan Bryce, and Judy Brownoff voted against the bylaw.
Councillors Colin Plant, Rebecca Mersereau, Zach de Vries, and Ned Taylor we’re in favour.
Taylor voiced his displeasure with the instant rejection.
“For council to defeat it without having any discussion whatsoever, I don’t think reflects good decision-making and I would request that we could at least have some discussion on the matter and have the ability to ask staff questions,” Taylor said.
The district’s youngest councillor declined an interview today but took to Twitter to voice his displeasure.
Generally council will have full discussion and consideration on 2nd reading of a matter, but instead council voted this down with zero discussion on 1st reading. It was extremely unusual.
Now I know never again to wait until 2nd reading to say my piece. #Saanich https://t.co/j5C5MRukNc
— Ned Taylor – Saanich Councillor & CRD Director (@CouncllrNTaylor) June 23, 2020
Plant a councillor since 2014, was shocked.
“This is the first time I can recall ever seeing a bylaw not proceed past first reading,” Plant said.
Mayor Fred Haynes had publicly supported the idea of the pilot project leading up to Monday’s meeting, but when it came time to vote, it was a different story.
“I’d heard from residents that were genuinely concerned about some of the impacts it would have on their enjoyment of the park. We also heard from some residents with businesses that it may impact their business opportunities as they reeopen their patios and are scrambling really to survive,” said Haynes.
North Vancouver and Penticton are currently the only jurisdictions in the province to give the bylaw a shot. For now, Island residents will have to enjoy their adult beverages at home, or at their favourite local establishment.
Ben Nesbit
