Does it take too long for a business to get approvals and permits from the District of Saanich? Does the approval process balance expediency with the need to ensure proper standards are followed?
Those are the issues members of Saanich council should have been discussing Monday, rather than how the mayor manages his Facebook page, a topic that consumed half of a council meeting.
Darren Morris, a Saanich businessman, posted on Mayor Richard Atwell鈥檚 page on Aug. 15, wondering why there was a six- to eight-month delay in approving Lowe鈥檚 Home Improvement鈥檚 move into the Tillicum Mall space formerly occupied by the Target store.
That led to a series of comments, in which people complained that Saanich is difficult to do business with and that West Shore municipalities are more efficient. Some comments included harsh remarks about Saanich staff.
On Aug. 19, Coun. Fred Haynes added a comment in which he said he had checked with Saanich planning staff and a representative of Lowe鈥檚, and learned that the retailer had not yet submitted a formal application.
Haynes brought up the subject at Monday鈥檚 meeting, saying Atwell showed poor leadership by not addressing Morris鈥檚 concerns and by leaving negative comments on the page. Coun. Judy Brownoff said it might seem Atwell is endorsing negative comments about staff if they are not deleted.
Atwell said members of the public will sometimes express their frustrations through social media and indicated he was reluctant to limit free speech.
Should Atwell have responded to Morris鈥檚 comment with the appropriate information? It would have been helpful. Should his page be monitored for unfair, incorrect or hateful comments? That would be wise, although that鈥檚 probably not a good use of the mayor鈥檚 time 鈥� someone could be delegated to do that. Staff members can鈥檛 defend themselves from online attacks.
Eclipsed by the social-media discussion was the original 鈥� and more important 鈥� issue raised by a citizen: Saanich鈥檚 state of business-friendliness.
In his posted comment, Haynes partially answered the question, but an opportunity was lost Monday by focusing on the messengers instead of the message. Is it difficult to do business with Saanich? If so, how can that be fixed? Are other municipalities doing a better job?
In 2012, Victoria鈥檚 city council endorsed a customer-service plan aimed at giving developers and businesses one point of contact at city hall. At about the same time, Langford was aiming for speedier approvals for building permits, and brought in breaks on permit fees.
How have these measures worked, and what can Saanich learn from their experiences?
It鈥檚 not good for a community to have a large retail space sitting empty. Businesses are vital to the local economy, providing employment as well as goods and services. Without them, taxes would be higher, municipal services more limited.
While development and business applications should not be unduly delayed, these things cannot be approved instantly. Municipal authorities need to ensure regulations are met and standards are upheld, and those matters cannot be rushed. If the rules are deemed to be unduly restrictive or the process too slow, that鈥檚 a matter for council discussion.
These are issues more important than the mayor鈥檚 Facebook page.
