Dear Santa,
As the new VRBA President, I hope you will consider these wishes after delivering gifts to all of the good children on your list.
When flying over Saanich in your sleigh, please consider expediting rezonings, development and building permits. This would provide homes for many families and make the holiday season jolly.
Nearby is Oak Bay, lacking legal duplexes and other missing-middle housing for families. More of this housing is very much needed. Your Elves won’t have to do the work, standing by are builders, suppliers and trades named Ready, Willing and Able.
I know you are going over your list to see who is naughty or nice.
Naughty NIMBYs are ignoring the severe housing supply shortages driving up prices. Perhaps it’s time for a lump of coal in their stockings.
We’re still hoping for a new train to the West Shore, a region that has been doing much of the house work for the other kids in the CRD.
Santa, we are not leaving everything to you. VRBA is again supporting the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation at the Festival of Trees.
We also donate to the Threshold Housing Society providing housing for youth, CFAX Santa’s Anonymous, TC Christmas Fund, Goldstream Chums and Habitat for Humanity’s Gingerbread House Showcase.
Best wishes on your travels Santa!
And Happy Holidays to all!
Ellie
This column appears Wednesdays in the Times Colonist newspaper.
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