Email dated June 16, 2020 from J. Skrlac, 501-288 Eltham Road, Re: Rezoning Application No. 2020/02 - 9 Erskine Lane
Resident letter protesting the loss of urban forests and old growth trees that would result from the proposed development.
From: JOCELYN SKRLAC Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 12:10 AM To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca Subject: Rezoning of #9 Erskine Rd rural property
Dear Mayor Screech and Council,
Over the past three months of self-isolation many of us have been disrupted and distracted from our usual lifestyle practices and interests . I am guilty of such - to the extent that, unfortunately, I’ve overlooked a certain matter that I care deeply about in our municipality: the further loss of precious urban forests. This is my late plea to you all to please delay the rezoning for development of the rural property on #9 Erskine Road, View Royal.
My Number One concern is the drastic loss of old growth trees which, if my interpretation of the proposal is correct, will all be removed. Such a total annihilation of these particular trees and wildlife habitat is contrary to the logic of responsible environmental practices. It flies in the face of the fact that you, your council, declared a climate emergency with implied intentions to maintain, adopt and support the best known practices and principles within View Royal to stop further decimation of healthy climate factors; in this case, is the last old growth forest area in View Royal.
When I visit Langford I am forever reminded of what examples of poor town planning for the future is all about. The scouring of so many of the hillsides and subsequent loss of natural habitat for wildlife that had innocently dwelt there for heaven knows how long is not only an unimaginative eyesore to behold; it is also a statement by civic leaders of their ignorant disregard for the sterile legacy they leave there for future generations.
When witnessing the unrelenting destruction in Langford I have always felt a certain smug satisfaction that thankfully we in View Royal have wiser, more visionary civic leadership. We all know all these life-giving trees should not be replaced with parking space.
There is a better way to achieve a compromise between human housing needs and natural habitat. Please, council members, delay this rezoning application until that compromise is found.
Yours truly, Jocelyn Skrlac
#501-288 Eltham Rd, View Royal.
Sent from my iPad