I would like to extend my sincerest thank you to Kirk Cameron, Betty Irwin and Ranj Pillai for truly representing the residents of Whitehorse last night with dignity and respect during discussions and voting on Porter Creek D and Middle McIntyre Creek. While I am disappointed by the vote of Mayor Bev Buckway, Florence Roberts, Dave Stockdale and Dave Austin, I do respect the democratic process that needs to take place.
What I am struggling with is the blatant disrespect that certain council members showed toward the presenters and residents that specifically appeared before mayor and council on Monday night and on Dec. 6. It’s important to note that council meetings are televised and for those of us watching from home, we can hear the councillors comments very well. This is a great way to stay informed and connected to the City of Whitehorse and the decisions that shape our future.
The residents of Whitehorse deserve the same respect that was shown to you last night. The delegates were not professional speakers. They were residents of Whitehorse who took time away from their personal lives to clearly and respectfully articulate their thoughts, concerns and values. Purposely asking them misleading questions was not only irresponsible, but disgraceful. Mayor Buckway, you should be ashamed of yourself.
And since we are on the topic of misleading questions à I’m quite curious to know which bus you use to get to and from work each day?
One must ask oneself why there are such strong opinions about the Porter Creek D extension when other Whitehorse developments have progressed with relatively little reaction (Copper Ridge, Whistle Bend, Raven’s Ridge, Takhini, etc)? There exists good reason to listen to the citizens and associations of Whitehorse who have legitimate values pertaining to the development of Porter Creek D.
There exists good reason to not be satisfied that council has received all the information required to make such an important decision. The fact that Betty Irwin was unaware of a 2005 petition containing 2,500 signatories opposing the Porter Creek D expansion should have been a red flag that the “brick” of information Florence Roberts kept referring to was, in fact, incomplete.
I believe now is a good time for the mayor and council to review its very own strategic plan, Vision and Values. I have identified the items which have been compromised and contradicted, specifically in the past two weeks.
Vision: “Whitehorse will be a well-planned self-sustaining community that is a leader in energy conservation and innovation that maintains and conserves wilderness spaces for future generations. Whitehorse will continue to strive for a better quality of life that is reflected in its vibrant economy and social life.”
Values: Corporate values are the fundamental beliefs shared by council and staff which direct the way decisions are made. The City of Whitehorse has reaffirmed the following core values: citizen involvement, creativity, decision process transparency, fiscal responsibility, integrity, partnership, respect and sincerity.
I must remain optimistic that mayor and council will now proceed with caution and with respect to the Porter Creek D expansion. I must also remain optimistic that the citizens of Whitehorse will become actively engaged in shaping the future of their city.
But I lose sleep at night worrying about our city if we, as citizens, continue to be disengaged and allow a few people to make important decisions that will permanently and negatively affect our city, and more importantly our environment.
In closing, I would like to personally thank all those who have appeared before council on the topic of Porter Creek D and McIntyre Creek. You have informed and engaged a proud Whitehorse resident.
Tanya Solberg
Whitehorse