Saanich Political Party SOS Faces Criticism Over Tactics

The newly formed political party, Save Our Saanich (SOS), has announced its intention to field candidates in upcoming elections. While the party has garnered attention for its opposition to the proposed Saanich Operations Centre, concerns are emerging about its methods and overall impact on local governance.

SOS has successfully mobilized community opposition against the alternative approval process (AAP) that was intended to facilitate the redevelopment of the Operations Centre. Despite this apparent success, many critics argue that the AAP is fundamentally undemocratic. The process allows for just 10% of the local population to sign a petition, effectively voicing a viewpoint that may not represent the broader community. Critics emphasize that this system undermines the democratic principle of equal voting rights for all citizens.

The concerns surrounding SOS extend beyond the AAP itself. Critics assert that the party’s tactics may lead to a significant delay in essential infrastructure improvements. As a result, Saanich employees are left to work in outdated facilities that have been widely acknowledged as needing urgent upgrades. The repercussions of this delay could impose substantial financial burdens on local taxpayers, with projected increases in construction costs reaching into the millions.

Danny Foster, a local resident, has voiced his discontent, questioning the rationale behind SOS’s strategy. He noted that while SOS representatives claim to support the redevelopment project, their actions suggest a contradictory approach. “It will be interesting to see who will financially support and vote for the new SOS party candidates, and their reasons for doing so,” he stated.

The party’s representative recently emphasized their commitment to “bring back a little bit more fiscal responsibility and some transparency.” Yet, many observers believe that the actions taken thus far indicate a departure from these stated goals.

As Saanich grapples with these developments, the local community remains divided. The effectiveness of SOS as a political force will likely become clearer as the party begins to field candidates and seek electoral support. The upcoming months will be critical in determining how this new political entity navigates the complexities of local governance and public opinion.