We are owners of a boat moored for over 22 years in Bird's Eye Cove. After we had an eviction notice inserted inside our boat on July 9 we began intensive work to deal with this shock in our lives.
We were very surprised when we read retroactively in the Cowichan Citizen of July 18 a report by Lexi Bainas on the North Cowichan council meeting of July 9. The item for discussion was the compost plant odour in Chemainus. What amazed us were two quotes:
1. From Dave Devana, chief administrative officer of North Cowichan: "We have been told by property owners in that area that we need to accelerate some kind of action and we have told them, 'no, we need to get the report first.' When we get the report... then we can decide if we need to take steps."
2. From Councillor Ruth Hartmann: "We all really care but there is a process whether they believe it's slow or not...I think it's in all our best interests to wait for the report."
That is how we believe a municipality should treat its citizens - fairly and equitably. Why were we owners of moored boats subjected to a double standard when we had eviction notices inserted into our boats? Despite the above assertions of North Cowichan council and staff processes, there was no prior report. We were not given any information about impending action. We were given no prior notice of eviction of our moored boats within seven days.
The eviction was stayed on July 10 - for now.
A report has since been written by staff for council, under pressure from the shocked public and the media. We hope that we will now be treated similarly to other North Cowichan residents - with fairness, consultation and respect.
We thank all who have supported us in this conflict with North Cowichan council.
Bridget and Don Bruneski Taxpayers and property owners in North Cowichan for 23 years