Welcome to Denman Island Commons
As an introductory topic the current Northern Lands development proposal should initiate a diverse range of responses. The developers are proposing that the Islands' Trust allow an exception to existing minimum lot sizes in order to maximize profits from property sales. As this is a very contentious issue for many islanders the developers have offered to give a portion of this area to the 'community' for use as public land in exchange for 'community' approval which will be neccessary before the Trust can make any changes to existing bylaws and/or regulations. ( I put the word community in parenthesis because it has become so vague in common usage that it's not always clear which group of residents it implies without specific references or context.)
I've heard the opinion that there should be no exceptions made regardless of possible advantages to the current proposal. The rational given is that if this exception is granted it will open the floodgates to invevitable requests and expectations by future developers.
Others take a cautious approach and are willing to explore the proposal but won't consider acceptance or even further discussion until a list of specific conditions are guaranteed.
There are those who are eager for what they perceive as welcome change to the island and consider the proposal as an opportunity to participate.
Obviously there are almost as many different opinions as there are islanders and the three I've suggested don't do justice to the diversity of them nor the insight each can share. It is my hope that this blog will initiate the publication of as many of these viewpoints as possible and stimulate discussion of them.
Respectfully,
Fox
I've heard the opinion that there should be no exceptions made regardless of possible advantages to the current proposal. The rational given is that if this exception is granted it will open the floodgates to invevitable requests and expectations by future developers.
Others take a cautious approach and are willing to explore the proposal but won't consider acceptance or even further discussion until a list of specific conditions are guaranteed.
There are those who are eager for what they perceive as welcome change to the island and consider the proposal as an opportunity to participate.
Obviously there are almost as many different opinions as there are islanders and the three I've suggested don't do justice to the diversity of them nor the insight each can share. It is my hope that this blog will initiate the publication of as many of these viewpoints as possible and stimulate discussion of them.
Respectfully,
Fox
posted by denmon at 3:29 PM
45 Comments:
I think there's a critical time element in these proceedings that will pressurize any negotiations. It's created by the financial timeline the developers are bound to. Their challenge is to convince enough islanders to participate without appearing to be forcing issues. Islanders are at a disadvantage because they are not as organized, cohesive, or have as much time to devote to formulating whatever proposals they create. Residual mistrust and anger from previous dealings with the former owners, 4064, add tinder to an already heated debate. Representations from islanders will no doubt be polarized. I hope decisions will be based on sound judgement and not blind emotion.
John & Tami, thanks for being the first to use this blog! Your expressions of concern are well expressed and I'm certain you are not alone in your feelings. I think your last statement "If we let this change go ahead, how can we possibly say no to the next one? Where do we stop?" is not just rhetorical but demands a clear answer. I've watched this island change continuously for the past thirty years and while it has been both for the better and worse that ongoing process has in my opinion been one of the most vital aspects of its character. To play the devils advocate I would reverse your statement and ask "If we refuse to allow change this time, how can we possibly say yes to the next request?" For certain islanders will be forced to wrestle with the questions that this development proposal raises and it is incumbent on all concerned to address them. Whatever the outcome it I suspect it will be hard won. One thing is for certain, there won't be a moratorium on meetings whether public or otherwise. When will they stop?!
Whenever I get the chance I ask people their thoughts on island development. It’s definitely not a survey but I thought that sharing some of the different opinions might be of interest. I’ll only identify persons who expressly request it.
One long time resident, ‘K’, felt quite strongly that the island was stagnating as indicated by dropping elementary school enrolment and the decline in young families moving here. As real estate prices increase and employment opportunities decline it has become difficult for lower and even middle income families get a foothold let alone survive. ‘K’ suggested that a larger population would stimulate economic activity as well as increase the diversity and cultural stimulation of the community.
Another individual I spoke with had similar feelings but was concerned that an increase in population and development would cause significant change to traffic patterns with negative impacts on formerly quiet neighbourhoods. Wren Road was an example given. Environmental impacts would have to be thoroughly identified and accounted for with long term responsibility established and guaranteed prior to any agreements being made.
‘T’ was adamant that any changes to existing regulations would have serious repercussions. Quiet country roads would be sufficient green space for public walking and enough landowners would provide paths and rights of way out of largesse or community spirit.
One individual stated that they had worked hard all their lives and felt that they deserved to enjoy Denman as a quiet unchanging retirement home. If someone couldn’t afford to be here, there are lots of other places to choose from.
A few observations on the "Northern Lands" debate:
1. To Denmanites: Change is coming, like it or not. Look around the Comox Valley and you see it at every turn. I feel fortunate in that the part of Denman where I live has not seen much change in the 25 years I've been here. But what has been does not point to what will be. The passage of these properties from Weldwood's rather live-and-let-live tenure, through Hancock's tension-filled possession, to the bitter denouement of their pillage by 4064 tells the tale: All things change, perhaps for the better, sometimes for the worse, and, yes, despite all,the earth abideth forever. What Denmanites need to do, IMHO, is accept that change is inevitable while trying to find what sorts of change can benefit the community at large. We cannot hold back the tide of change; neither ought we flee from it. Is the "Northern Lands" proposal the sort of change that will ultimately benefit Denman? I can't say as yet, principally because the development group hasn't really told us much. But I do believe our mindset has to be one of judicious calculation rather than vigorous pro or con. Given that no change is not an option, we must ask ourselves if this change, the "Northern Lands" proposal, can have a greater up-side for Denman than either random development of the existing lots or some unknown proposition now lying below our event horizon.
2. To Henning, Bente, and their development group: I appreciate that you wish to engage islanders in a cooperative process. This is an attitude that bespeaks a sincerity of purpose much-needed after the 4064 debacle. And the recently-approved covenanting of sensitive lands also suggests sincerity. However, let me observe too that all developers are "sincere," and covenanting those lands was a necessary step toward removing legal encumbrances from the overall proposal. All I mean to suggest is that from where I sit your actual intent is still moot. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating. The great stumbling block I see lies in the disconnect between the time lines you propose for development and approval of your proposal and the nature of the process you are pursuing. Politically, Denman is inchoate, at best only partially formed. Oh yes, there is no dearth of opinion hereabouts, but it tends to be randomly distributed, hard to pin down, harder to measure It's rather like trying to sew snakes together--they won't hold still. Forums for all this opinionating are few, and they tend to be populated by "the usual suspects." I mean no disrespect to the dedicated few who regularly show up to conduct the island's affairs; they willingly perform necessary functions that others too-often avoid. But, they are a self-selected group and as such are not an accurate reflection of island opinion. Meanwhile, you have a time-line that allows about six months for cooperative brain-storming and another six months for the approval process. In the Air Force we used to call this situation a "time compression abort." It just ain't gonna get done the way you're telling it in that amount of time. So, what to do? I think you need to stop playing your cards so close to the vest. I'm sure that you have at least several scenarios under your hat. Give us one! Put your optimal proposition on the table so islanders, inchoate as we may be, can have something to reflect on. Call it grist for the mill. Call it priming the pump. (as Sonny Boy Williamson once said, "call it yo mammy if you wants to.") I don't think you'll be able to overcome the negative feelings about 4064, fears about development, gentrification, the whole list of reasons why not to do this, if you do not show your hand more than you have done up to now. For all-too-many folks your present posture looks and feels too much like manipulation.
Fox - this blog is a good idea and I hope that more people will participate. The DIRA committee is seeking community input, and any way that you can get people expressing their views is great. This is a subject of huge importance to the future of this lovely rural island!
I am reading this Blog now. See it works, people are just slow to look, but slow is good. Relax and good luck with your garden.
Hi Fox, thank you for starting this - a great idea. I don't like sitting in front of a computer. so I won't be using the blog too often. However I want to thank John and Tami for their long and interesting article and say "Welcome to Denman". We have all noticed that there has been a speeding up of newcomers to the island - we are no longer "undiscovered". What I find encouraging is that the new people that I have met have come just because they have been attracted to the Community and the fact that we still are relatively unspoiled, compared to what has been happening on other islands further South. I believe that an upscale development at the North end, where the investors would likely be looking for a quick return for their money and, using strong marketing techniques, would encourage a certain type of concentrated community - different from our general mixed hodgepodge , which is one of the things I like best about our community. I also object to the new name Northlands - it sounds like the name of a shopping mall ! Jane Fawkes.
(My first comments were as "anonymous" [#1]--a few observations on the 'Northern Lands' debate")
Here's a few further observations:
1. It is easy for the development group to talk about turning over lands to the community as all they have to do in that scenario is provide a signature. What body will hold title? Are the properties to be taxed? How would tax monies be raised? Tobey Callahan outlined the problem succinctly in the latest issue of "The Flagstone." I am concerned that taking over properties would put this community in a position of fiduciary responsibility that we are presently not equiped to fulfill. A private land-holding incorporation would surely mean property taxes. Holding the property through some sort of public body suggests a level of government presently unknown on Denman. A significant ongoing burden both bureaucratic and financial seems to beckon in either case. Is this what we want?
2. In my original posting I observed that change is coming whether or not we want it. Further to that, consider this: If the development group does not get a rezoning and development agreement that meets their financial objectives, will they then resell? A plausible scenario might be that they hive off some desireable parcels for their own future development activities and flip the remainder. We know they are already engaged in developing various properties around Denman and this would simply be an extension of that business. My concern is to whom they might sell. Large development corporations are hovering all around the east side of Vancouver Island looking for the main chance. Denman always has been a quasi-gated community by virtue of the ferry connection. Will we see true gated development? Crown Isle-style growth? It's not inconceivable. We could be subject to a continual parade of rezoning requests and development requests. (Any lawyer will tell you that zoning is made to be changed.) These will have to be given full and fair hearings; failure to do so would be grounds for lawsuits. Appeals will be filed. These will have to be given full and fair hearings; failure to do so. . .[blah-blah-blah]. You get the picture--phalanxes of lawyers, writs at the ready, the Islands Trust overwhelmed. I think it likely a large and determined development corporation would eventually get its way by dint of lawsuits: the government would tell the Trust it has neither taste nor purse for the struggle and so mandates a settlement. The Rude Beast of Change slouches toward Denman to be born. I think we are being offered Hobson's choice.
--Bob French--
The other evening two of us Sheila's went to visit Henning and Tomas and they treated us with the upmost dignity and were truly grateful that we took the time to come and visit. First we were given a tour of their home,which is still being constructed. Myself,having a great interest in house designs I was utterly excited by their beautiful place.They have created a wonderful home and it speaks of much care love and attention to all aspects of creating a dream place. Tomas,their only son is at university,and Henning creates beautiful bowls from wood on his lathe. Coming from Denmark their home has such clean clear lines and particular attention made to organic water flows and conservation. I hope they end up on the home and garden tour and earn first prize the place is astounding.
After spending about an hour with them here are my honest heart felt thoughts and feelings about how they see things. I would have to say they are very fustrated by the community at large by the general attitudes and I think
they are very wounded by the harsh critical nature of response to them. I was quite shocked to hear that their correspondence with the DIRA off shoot committee has amounted to exchanging letters. I nearly fell of the chair when I heard this. We live on a small island and people cannot meet eachother face to face ( something is not right here) I have not followed the story of this saga,simply because the last meeting I ever attended relating to forestry happened years ago after I had gone to Forest Renewal BC and asked them for 12 million for our community to buy the forest. Being "Private Land " they said "No" but did provide $75.000 for a eco-assessed landscape,later provided by Herb Hammond,from Silva Foundation. My dream then was to have an office in the village and somehow raise money to buy a community forest,but the evening that I went to our "other forest value committee" a complete new group walked into the room and the men sitting at my table moved away. It was a very strange evening indeed. Feeling betrayed I went home and closed my door.
The reason I went to see Henning and Tomas was that I could hear the fustration in my friend Sheila's voice after she met with Wren Road Residences and I had taken a painting class with Bente years ago on Hornby.
My relationship with the north end of the island has extended in going over to give Al Scott a hand with housework and wondering where exactly the north end,ended. Of course I asked Henning what they paid for the land and he explained he could not say as they were bound by law. I persistanly asked Henning why he was taking on such a big headache and his reply was " I have a vision ". A man after my own heart, now I thought this is good and we definately need more visionaries here. So there is loads of land up there and room for houses and people and all sorts of community projects maybe even forestry,orchards,vineyards,pasture to graze cows and horse and sheep. My message to the community is work with his man and his son. They are good people. Danish ,clear concise and passionate not like the irish but then no one can be. I had to go half way thru the evening to get some milk at the store and ended up helping two good looking cyclists find accomdation for the evening so I miss some of the nitty gritty but if your afraid to talk to Henning,Sheila ( piano, she does the lights at the hall and her number is 0367 and Henning's number is 3226 and they live at 3222 Lacon Road. Take him out for coffee at the EarthClub Factory. That the end of the evening both Henning and Tomas thanked us so much for coming to see him and said the only other people who came to visit were the "mad farmers " from north central road.
Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 28
"The land is a sacred trust held in
common for the benefit of the future of our
nations."
--Haida Gwaii - Traditional Circle of Elders
The Creator made the Earth to support life so
that life would continue to reproduce, everything
would support one another, and future
generations would have the same benefits of
supply and beauty as the generations the proceeded
them. This cycle will only continue to
the degree that we make choices and decisions
for the future generations. Today, we are
too greedy and selfish. We are cheating our
children, grandchildren and the children
unborn.
Creator, let me
see the
consequences
of my
decisions, and
show me how
to make
healthy
corrections.
Anonymous states "I mean no disrespect to the dedicated few who regularly show up to conduct the island's affairs; they willingly perform necessary functions that others too-often avoid. But, they are a self-selected group and as such are not an accurate reflection of island opinion."
What is the alternative forum? The same few tireless volunteers perform these thankless tasks THEN get criticized for not representing the majority of Islanders???? What is your alternative to this so-called "self-selection"? Its pretty hard to represent those who don't participate, then whine because they are not being represented. Will someone please explain what an acceptable vehicle for dialogue would be?
I was trying to think what one might mean by the term 'self-selected.' A person wakes up one morning, hems and haws about this or the other thing and decides to go out and self select themselves to some organization. Like a barnacle to a rock. "This will bring me power," the self-absorbed, self-selector thinks. "I will self-select my way to the top. If George Bush can be the 'decider,' I will be the 'self-selector.'
Or, what the hell, I could just volunteer."
I guess it all depends on what words you choose to use, in what order you place them and with what tone you use to deliver your message.
A previous post by anonymous indirectly insinuates that a fraud has been, or will be, perpetrated through the use of a bait and switch tactic. As yet it remains an unfounded opinion.
I would like to point out the blatant outright plagiarism. The entire third paragraph has been lifted verbatim from the pages of Wikipedia without quote, reference or due credit. The original of which can be found here. This is a verifiable fraud.
“Methinks he doth protest too much.”
- from Hamlet by William Shakespeare; the Queen speaking: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
Clever detective work and cool deductive reasoning have exposed an evildoer among us! From an unquoted “verbatim” Wikipedia definition to “blatant outright plagiarism” this scholastic tour de force clearly exposes the logic of the original comment for the “verifiable fraud” and “unfounded opinion” it really is. Or does it?
Permit me to recover some semblance of credibility by quoting Wikipedia as demanded:
“plagiarism” - “An unacknowledged use of words, ideas, information, research, or findings not one's own, taken from any source is plagiarism only if a person is claiming personal credit for originality. It is not plagiarism to use well-known facts without acknowledging a source because readers understand the author is not claiming originality.”
This is not the only entry for that word but the one that I consider most appropriately expresses the spirit of my original use of the quote. I’m not referring to this for absolution rather as a rejoinder. But let us cut to the chase and the nub of the comment that challenges the thrust of my original entry as “unfounded opinion”. It has been paraphrased by the following quote that it:
“indirectly insinuates that a fraud has been, or will be, perpetrated through the use of a bait and switch tactic.”
Of course it is only my opinion being based on personal judgment. Claiming it as “unfounded” is another matter. Must I wait for conclusive proof of a thing before I have license to name it? What would become of free speech if that were the rule? If it walks like a duck, squawks like a duck and has feathers, is it wrong to call it a duck before drawing a bead? Sometimes one is forced to act without full knowledge. I want change as much as anyone. What I’m questioning is the ability and sincerity of those who are proposing it. Both should be “verifiable”.
I challenge the subjects of my observation to prove me wrong; that was in part my motivation for making the comment to begin with. Obviously it was also intended to sway opinion but no more so than its criticism and this, ad infinitum. The current proposal song and dance gives no concrete assurances that my original comment is faulty and continues to leave other critics with little recourse other than opinion for scrutiny. We’re not even getting promises yet and the developers are setting a time limit!
And you can quote that.
Okay, here's a bit of a problem. It seems Denman not only has a passel of Sheilas but also a huge crop of anonymouss' (what is the plural I wonder?)
I think it is perfectly valid if people want to be a Sheila or an anonymous but if this.blog flourishes, it's gonna' be tough on simle folk like myself to keep track of the cast of characters.
Anonymous 1,anonymous 2, well, you get my drift. Just a suggestion mind.
Oops. Sloppy. I need to edit better. When I said simle in my just previous note, I forgot to p.
Sorry.
I can appreciate RR's confusion as to personalities. Not much alternative other than blocking non identified commenters which I'm not prepared to do. The blogs stated intention from the start was to focus on Ideas rather than personalities. As to its flourishing or not, I guess it's up to viewers and commenters and the interest in their ideas. RR, your input is important but even you have to admit that you've chosen to hide your identity behind a nom de plume. Part of the attraction of this kind of public space is its acceptance of anonymity. Yes, there are problems with people not taking public responsibility for their statements but this space is completely voluntary. Maybe it'll go the way of the Dodo but even that creature evolved and had its day for a reason. C'est la vie!
Denmon, please don't get me wrong. I'm all in favor of anonymity. I think I appreciate how sadly necessary it is in the smallish confines of communities such as Denman. I was just speculating on some differentiation, something that would help the poor school of the anonymous to have a bit more identification within their cloak of camoflage.
In the public arena, it appears to me that ideas have somewhat less currency they personalities. My experience is that some people (I hesitate to suggest they are legion) are resistant (bordering on fearful in some cases) to offering up their thoughts on the controversial issues of the day,issues such as development, tennis, bridges,traffic (although I suspect we of Denman might actually come close to public unanimity on the issue of cross-island traffic but perhaps not.)
Many people may not be as courageous as one who spoke earlier who unequivocly announced that she "would not-under any circumstances- meet privately with any developer, even those who claim to be my neighbour."
I'm afraid I lack the absolute passion, the fastidious discrimination required to be so exclusive.
Perhaps this blog will provide those who cower in the shadows of cyberspace (those much like me who shy away from the public expression of opinions that might offend somebody) a voice. And perhaps along the cyberway, we might examine how a community makes public places safe for conversation and the open expression of ideas, coupled with the wide range of personalities who express those ideas.
“…the idea occurred to us that Denman Islanders could work together to form a plan for a large number of contiguous acres, which would include areas hugely valuable for conservation, for limited recreation, for farming in affordable lot sizes. The outcome could be a plan that Islanders would be excited to support—a plan beneficial for both the short term and long term future of the Island. Can we protect the rural character of the island, protect key areas, increase Denman's conservation holdings, see the special places set aside for the enjoyment of the Island, find a solution to providing some affordable housing? Can we as Islanders take much of this land outside the pressures of the marketplace forever?”
“…32 lots can be created; a total of 120 is the maximum we envision…”
“We're definitely not building houses, hotels or golf courses!”
Lifted verbatim from the North Denman Website: About this North Denman Island Initiative, June 1, 2006 by Henning Nielsen, Bente Pilgaard, and son Tomas Nielsen.
The first excerpt sounds remarkably like a definition of an Official Community Plan.
“Official Community Plans
Official Community Plans contain the broad goals and policies that help guide the preservation and development of an Island. Official Community Plans are developed with substantial input from the community, other government agencies and First Nations.
Official Community Plans are adopted and administered by each Island's Local Trust Committee.”
From the Islands Trust Website.
As one of the many Denman Islanders who volunteered valuable time and energy for the creation of our existing OCP the first line of the North Denman excerpt is not only redundant it’s disrespectful. It implies at the very least that we didn’t do a good enough job. It also suggests that the tedious OCP process can now be sidestepped in favor of an ad hoc fast track process to virtually quadruple the lot numbers and density as stated in the second excerpt “…32 lots can be created; a total of 120 is the maximum we envision…”.
The third excerpt “We're definitely not building houses, hotels or golf courses!” is the last line of the North Denman Website. Why should we be thankful they’re not building houses? Are they bad at it or have they been restricted from the practice? Maybe they won’t be around that long. As for hotels or golf courses the implication is that the possibility exists but they’re “definitely” not the ones to do it. Is the subtext that hotels and golf courses are the only alternative to their plan perhaps even a veiled threat for non-collaboration. Subtle.
Islanders may be slow but we stand up to bullies.
See you standing at the DIRA meeting 7:30 pm. Monday night, June 12th at the Back Hall.
On the other thread on this site, anonymous states, "Don’t think they (developers)are really interested in hearing what you have to say. They just want to keep you talking, distracted while they continue with their plans."
Could it be that they don't have to distract us with talking? We are already distracted with fighting amongst ourselves, trying to intimidate and coerce others into agreeing with our particular point of view. Example, the Denman Island "collective", (may I call them DIC for short?) accuse DIRA of not representing the majority of Denman Islanders. OH AND THEY DO? Who made DIC the voice of the silent majority?
IMHO, maybe in the process of open discussion, someone might actually come up with a good idea. But that won't happen if we refuse to let someone voice an opinion that is different from our own.
There seems to be this notion that if we were to listen to a proposal from the developer, we will all walk into the sea like so many lemmings.
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
I like IMHO Anonymous' point about us being distracted with fighting amongst ourselves. To the extent that it's accurate it doesn't bode well for future management of community lands, affordable housing, or amenity zoning. Ouch!
Oddly the Break The Engagement Collective (Maybe IMHO should find a better application for the pointless DIC acronym whatever its length) comment contains no claim of its membership speaking for anyone but themselves and encourages everyone to attend the June 12th DIRA meeting. Likely they will have something cogent to contribute to the open discussion and "different from our own". So who's refusing to let someone voice an opinion different from our own? Has IMHO been caught trying to plant false information? This could be defammation! Badda bing badda boom!
This is also the first time I've heard a lemmings simile in this context. And walking not running is also a whole new image. Sounds like sleep walking. Has the drone of developers gotten that monotonous? From what I've been hearing around the island of late it won't be us getting wet listening or not. Nyuck, nyuck. Of course time will tell no matter how little of it the developers are willing to spend. Kaching.
Thanks for the concluding poignant irony. Burn.
The charming business core of Denman Island, Denman Village (I realize that this moniker may also be under scrutiny by the ever-vigilant collective)now has some big ugly, yet strangely smooth and comforting, concrete dividers to silently police errant parkers. High time. Parking on Denman is way too cavalier, too individualistic.
Anyway, I didn't want to talk about parking. Scripted on these new cement agents of social control is something like yada yada yada Denmanistan. (I apologize for forgetting the actual phrasing.) I just thought I'd mention it because it seemed to suggest something of the Island's character, a spirit of independence that seems to me to fly in the face of the groupthink that also could be said to permeate our shores.
But I didn't want to talk about that either. I wanted to respond to 'anonymous from June 6's' use of the term 'bullies.'
I don't know who he means. Where is the bullying we must stand up to? Ideas? Are they pushing us around? Discussion? Are we being pummeled by talk? Actually, maybe thats it.
Raising the specter of bullying in the context of rationally coming to grips with what our collective future may hold seems just a shade over the top.
Unless an unpopular idea is expressed and the rest of us chant " bully for you, fellow citizen. Well said."
Is that what you meant?
I follow the blog sporadically - it seems to be getting feisty ! This is just some information that I got talking to my son, an architect who works for a team of developers in Vancouver . For me it shed some light on what is happening here . He said that investors like to make about 15% and also like to do it quickly. For this reason they generally don't like to work in communities where rezoning is necessary and depends on a popular vote, as the Municipal laws are strong. For this reason, if they see the denman proposal being long drawn out , with strong opposition, it is likely that they will put their money elsewhere, though I have no idea just how committed they already are to the Neilsens. The rush to circumvent the OCP process seems to indicate that the deal has a timeline. My son's other comment was that right now there is a lot of money out there and people wanting to invest in land. His opinion was that the idea of land on a BC island would be very attractive and 80% of the lots would sell very quickly - to other investors looking at a quick flip without any intention of moving here. How would this affect the demographics of our community ??? it sounds worse to me - that the land being regarded as a comodity would just be further expanded.
Developer Henning Nielsen, in his letter in the June Flagstone, appeared uncharacteristically anxious as he dropped his previous visionary posturing and warned us, in terms of what he referred to as "pragmatic reality," that if we don't play ball with him now, he'll turn "the investor," as he called him, loose on the island. We can infer from this threat that he has admittedly created a Frankenstein's monster in his 4064 business dealings and so we now need him to protect us from it. Perhaps he had envisioned the creation of the North Lands Committee by DIRA as bringing to life a bride for his Frankenstein. But, as we saw at the June meeting, the vast majority of those in attendance do not want to encourage such a marriage.
I think the architects dads point is well taken; I'd go one step further and say that the rate of developement is as important as the development itself. His other point about 'the rush to circumvent the OCP process' is the real obstacle to any development at all precisely because it plays one expensive form of developement, the OCP, against another, densification. It's unfortunate because both have much to offer but only if they are mutually understood and given sufficient attention. The DIRA meeting didn't seem to promise overwhelming support for a rush to 'circumvent' anything.
Just say no.
NO! There, I said it. That helps.
On another note, the concrete barriers by the school have started to become signposts. Children, or, more likely, perhaps, displaced executioners with limited artistic flare and a unnatural love of aerosol cans, have begun expressing their innermost thoughts.
The latest is 'hang developers, not banners.'
Yesterday, the barriers received a fresh coat of paint to cover up an earlier, slightly more creative offering.
I am confused by this latest message. The juxtaposition of developers and banners eludes me. I'm personally not inclined to 'hang' anyone or anything except perhaps the phone when the thankfully very infrequent call centers track me down. But that's my own small 'hang-up.'
Back to saying 'no.'
Should we hold our breathe and stamp our feet as well?
Back to signage.
We have a perfectly useable graffiti wall up Denman hill. Clearly DICES needs to offer some training in the art of gracious graffiti, graffiti that pleases, that informs yet brings pleasure to the senses.
Adieu
I too observed the graffiti on the new parking barriers. When I saw the word "hang" I felt sick inside. I was shocked that a member, I assume, of my community would use such a word in any context. What happened to the love I usually observe as I wander about Denman's roads? Why is that word part of our community language? Let's not let fear and hate enter our converstions as we meet, listen, speak and/or record our thoughts in the following weeks and months I am sure it will take for us all to have our say.
Testify
I am on the same track as rural roberts as i see the only way northlands is getting my vote for any density tweaks is if the 'donated land' IS the lake and the marsh and public access trails. anything else is business as usual. historically we have been able to tresspass on all that empty land and pretend it was wild and natural, when it was indeed only economically unviable. we were sure asleep at the wheel to allow the trashing of the bluffs and other negligence that was perpetrated as the 'cost of doing business' by slick investor scruples. but now, damaged and logged, it still belongs to someone and is a giant empty lot. i think we can all separate HENNING the man, and HENNING the hired hand. this is his job. i can only tell him to take all the plans away and get us the lakefront.......or i can sure live with 30 MORE filthy rich citizens. i truly appreciate all of the hard work the various volunteers did in surveying all we never owned in the first place. there is no schism in the parts. folks, it is no longer a forest... and who knows what a gaggle of residents lopping up and down the bluffs and folk traipsing around the cool marsh that is already just an island when it used to be a heart. it does seem like a very healthy idea to have the watersheds be locked down into protected land and not relying on the good graces of a private owner. no such zone.
...........and speaking of cavalier parking in downtown denman, my head is still shaking over the secret variance board back patting session that produced a commercial edifice right smack dab in downtown denman with absolutely no requirements for parking. and they do so want to become a veritable hive of activity! i laughed right out loud when i read our trustee report lauding the new barrier project and the grim future of parking in 'la village'. you think we have trouble with DIRA making it up as they go along, the trust has given itself some pretty spurious powers to make some backroom decisions based on...what? i did also witness them grant themselves an expenditure to provide, yes provide, free copys, yes, entire copys, of the "ocp and land use bylaws"........to? The realestate barons! unbelievable. Like they need a gift to put into their promo pkg? Can't cough up the 10 bucks to download a copy for their latest conquest?
What is the benefit of being a 'blogger' besides not being just another anonymous.*grin*
Wow, had no idea I could just lie about any ole thing here...well here I go! At the rate the world is warming up all the water front lots on Denman will be under 20 feet of water by 2010. It is now illegal to own more than 2 dogs if you are on R1 or R2 zone. The Islands Trust is really a covert CIA sponsored organization investigating the "second and possible third" shooter, that fatefull day in Dallas. I can communicate with dead trees and have been told they actually enjoy being cut down, seems they suffer severe back ache by having to stand tall for too long. There, that felt good..its fun to say any ole thing that pops into your head..go on try it.I know many here do and you can too!
Greetings.Thank God the weather is cooling down, does anyone on the island have a green lawn.
Can we please have postings concerning the state of general health on the island and news
Since returning from a two week visit to Sarnia,Ontario ( Greg's daughter got married ) I would post a
photo if I could. I was really sad to hear that Tomas Henning had been burned in an accident and I want to
wish him a speedy recovery from all of us. Also I heard that Christine Wilson had a house fire. Again I am so
sorry to hear this. If I can be of help please call me at 335 1898.
Sheila Simpson
John and Tami comments are both incisive and illuminating. I agree postings should not be anonymous, the philosophy being I may not agree with what you say but I strongly support your right to say it.
I do feel some of the anti-development sentiment is extreme and intolerant such as Shelia’s;
“I want everyone to know that I would not - under any circumstances - meet privately with any developer, even those who claim to be “my neighbour.”
Having said that I do appreciate that she has the courage to sign her name. That I respect.
This is in sharp contrast to my experience at the General Store last Thursday. While reading about the writer’s conference, I noticed a poor black and white picture of Flanders Field “where poppies blow amid the crosses row and row” below which were words to the effect that this constituted alternative housing for the rich.
Three drunks pissing on our war memorial in Ottawa were outdone by a Denman anonymous who figuratively craped on their graves to preach intolerance - the same intolerance the men below those crosses died fighting.
“ and if you break faith with those who died
we shall not rest in Flanders Field”
John McRae
I wrote my thoughts over it and put it back. It was gone shortly thereafter.
Change is inevitable, true preservation doesn’t exist, communities evolve, nature renews. The exercise is to manage change as best possible at the right time and in the right manner.
For clarification, the restrictions on Komas Bluff, which is contained in Bylaw 111 of the OCP, are likely not what you’ve been told. The Trust has no authority to mandate or preserve forest along Komas Bluff.
I quote the honourable Mr. Justice Groberman in his Reasons for Judgment;
[82] The purpose of the bylaw was not preserve land in an unaltered state, nor even to protect the bluff. The bylaw was passed under the authority of s.919.1(1)(b) of the Local Government Act, not s. 919.1(1)(a). Its purpose was not to protect the designated land itself, but rather to protect development from potentially hazardous conditions.
So it would seem Henning’s proposal of a gift of 101.3 acres of prime waterfront view property is an extremely generous one. Perhaps a future developer would be seeking 1/2 acre lots, prime waterfront view beach access gated community etc.
As for the OCP, in reality it has been usurped by Local Trustees in favour of a document called an ecosystem based plan for Denman Island a plan by the Silva forest foundation.
The OCP itself has become the “obstructive community process” by which Local Trustees and Islands trust obstruct any development which is inconsistent with this plan. I know strong words, strong opinion but I have signed my name - if you want the facts visit www.islandstrust.org
dan stoneman
I believed that this community could resolve all matters by peace and exchange of heart felt thought and feelings. Unfortunately as a community we have some problems, having being raised in various schools of thought we do not all share the same dream. The problems as I see it,is this. Henning and his family were put through hell.
I believe this contributed to Tomas's accident. The history of how we were screwed over by Hancock and then Jenks
has only made for bigger walls to come up. I believe Henning has a good vision. I do not beleive that he is out to destroy our island,but I do beleive that he needs to lay all his cards on the table. We tried to buy the land for 12million a number of years ago and we could have done it as a community. But we are not there yet. My problem with island trust and with community planners is that they think in abstract and there is no real format where people on this island can sit down and hash their collective ideas out. Perhaps we need the help of some wise native elders who know this land well and can communicate this the land itself? I also must say that somepeople have played a nasty agenda ie sitting on a committe to save the forest when all they were doing was collecting information for real estate and who knows what other hidden play is at work. Beware the wolf that comes in sheep clothing. When I woke up during the last big coomunity meeting I asked Doug Bell,what the "Master Plan " was and he replied " A three land highway going down the ferry hill " I have two house on my property and I can not use the second one beacuse some stupid trustee deemed the house illegial and did not respect the trustee before who,on a handshake gave permission for a second home to be built on five acres. Five acres is a big space a very big space. I have three requests for people who live in buses to live here. I could use the land to put up three more small energy efficent houses. Is not that important,building energy efficient houses, is there a bilaw govering that. WHat about water and use of water?
We need bi laws to stop greedy people charging $1000 a week for a cabin,exploiting a two earning hard working family from the city who are working their butts off. Why is there not a bilaw about rents ????????
Why is there not a bilaw about drunks driving,why is there not a bilaw about serving drink at the store????
Think about it. sheila simpson
Having very litle idea about this commons works I had better get used to the idea that we live in a police state
where a licence to drives mean nothing if you can't afford to drive
I'm not sure what 'private' is referring to by "police state". Beyond a basic editorial policy of rejecting slander this blog is meant for the honest discussion of issues, expression of opinion, community notes, whatever. I'm quite pleased to say that I have yet to reject a comment and look forward to receiving more.
Having a few idle hours the other day, I gave some thought to how Denman Island operates. Understand that this was anonymous, speculative, less then brilliant thought, the kind I thrive on.
I suppose we are no different than any other place. We have a chunk of folks who go about their lives, occasionally popping up to be noticed by a few, but otherwise they live, they work, they play quietly within themselves, mostly staying out of other peoples way.
We have another pack of people who run things; organizational types. They are involved in the formal circuit of doers. They are involved in the arts, involved in Conservation, involved in the pretend levels of governance, involved in running the Community Hall and the Seniors Hall and the fire hall and the....School halls.
Occasionally, we find creators amongst us. They want to change something, something big. Their ideas either catch on or they fizzle. It seems inevitable that they will always attract a polarized response. Tennis anyone?
The recent Flagstone had an excellent article that touched on the concept of 'paying your dues.'
It is a powerful image. The question comes to mind: When have you paid your dues? When do you know? Who tells you? The dues paying committee?
In the US of A, to be President, you have to be born American. That's one standard.
By that standard, one can only pay ones dues by being born on Denman. Or, I suppose, we could allow you to be born at the local Hospital.
Well, that's as far as my idle thinking took me the other day and I haven't had a single noticeable thought since.
Hi Sheila Simpson here, I am trying to follow the logic of these last postings and they really do not make sense. John Monk was born on this island and he mourns the loss of the simple way of life as more and more people come here. He said, when people come to this island to live they do not appreciate the history of the island and the islanders and they create too much change to quickly. I do want to honour the people who were here before and I guess I am guilty of not taking into account the experiences of the people who came here in more recent years. I do hope that someone writes a book, that covers the period from 1976 to present day. Winifred Isbister's book "My ain folk " is a wonderful book and rich in knowledge of the earlier settlers. I am fascinated by the wave of people that came here in the '60s and '70s. They really are the back bone of the island and I do not give them credit for all the hard work they have done. They built a lovely community hall,they probably stared the garden tour and the various fairs that happen here. We are blessed with the quality of arts performances that we can see and hear on Denman. The plays etc.
I bitch about laws because they directly affected my life when Greg and I came here in 1994. I love this island,I love the peace and quiet, and the community of caring that is here. I really need to apolize for my awful rant in the Flagstone recently.
I spent my first eighteen years of life in a community of five houses in a place called Ballyheather in Northern Ireland. Until 1969 our lives were blissful. I knew peace and I then experienced war full on. Denman is the peace that I knew of Ballyheather. I cherish that peace and quiet and want to protect everyone,but I also see the dark side of the island and there are too many bilaws that are a pain in the ass and do nothing for the common good. You do not have to be born on Denman,but I think it is fair to say that you need to respect the way of life here,created by those who went before.
Is there anybody out there,its early morning and for this past week our hydro has been shut off so many times
the blessing of it all was the return to silence,wasn't it incrediable,no hums from fridge,computer or any electric device. The only sound heard was the cracklin of wood in the fireplace.
Got me thinking about the power of this electric current coming into our homes and how to produce passive power.
Thank you to the Bakery for staying open,using a generator. So all is quiet on the western front and no one takes the time to dribble a few words and here I am replying to myself,after spending the day writing and submitting poetry and short stories to various publications. Betty-Ann died.. this is my poem for her!!!!
Well heaven is in for a suprise when you arrive
and publish the latest edition of "misinformation"
No doubt you'll get to know all the news quickly
I wonder how the politics of heaven are these days
Don't go slandering the angels too much now
Some of them might be rather touchy perfaring
to live on their own cloud that they forget the rest
Please say hello to all the souls from this island
Maybe you could send us an epistle sometime
Let us know how we can improve down here
Write us a message in the sky we will look for you
God rest your beautiful special soul Betty-Ann
I.m sorry I did not get to say goodbye and wish
you well on the other side of that door called death
Thank you for challenging us all and for being brave
May we remember you with a fondest in our hearts
I know you will ride the milky way now free to be
your star self your cosmic self and I hear you laugh
as you tell me your in the next room not far away
I hope heaven is half as good as earth is and you
are reuniting with your loved ones on the other side
you deserve to shine now for all the work you did
did we tell you that we loved you or did we forget
you are gone from your mists now but not forgotten
We need a denman celebration evening soon before we all fade away...good night
does anyone out there know the truth about bc hydro and the cable coming to our island
All of us have history on this island,if we were born here for if we came a month ago.we are all part of the collective,but it is hard to find. I would say that community is based on how much fun we have and from what I observe there is none here. Oh there are pretty gardens and famous folk and artist and a hermitage and a choclate factory and a hemp factory,but we are a divided people. I comapre this island to a school playground and I wonder how can we grow. It would seem to be that we need to build a community by sharing circles , it is an old tradition where an eagle feather gets passed around the room and the holder is the only one who talks. If any of you have taken part in these circles they are very powerful. When we come to live here we bring our whole selves with us and that means many different things,for some the transition is very powerful and the changes are quite evident to see. I think of two newcomers who came here and died within a short period of time. I know this island does not work as a community because I see the breakups in relationships that are really sad. Again I harp back to the history of this island,the true history and not some fabricated story.
If the true story was told then it would help us understand the nature of the place. Who know the history of here,of the battles that were fought when raiding tribes came here. Please do not laugh at me as I have a strong belief that the land holds emotion and when we build our homes here it would be a good idea to find out the history first. I know that homes were built over artifacts and nothing was said to me that is a disgrace and nothing good can home of it. The ancestors are not far away. I am familiar with first nations people who have family born here and remember that they do record their history,either by passing down the stories or recording them. Perhpas the role of the museum has to be developed to making an outdoor living museum on this island. I have no idea what is happening at the treaty table but I would hope to see the three tribes claiming this island as their ancestoral home ,be acknowledged and be a part of our island life.
I tried to stopping logging on this island,by informing the community that I was going to block logging trucks from coming on to the island,after the crash at the ferry hill. One person showed up and I almost ended up in jail again. We failed as a community that ios why the forest is gone. Mrs.Martin as the south end was denied her healing centre,a cancer survivor and an elder was not respected. Another failure as a community.
Now Henning is taking a beating and his son has suffered our collective anger. Where will it end. Hostility and fear and conflict. I do not think I am right but I do have a strong vision that if we do not get our collective hearts in order we are doomed. Hydro are abusing us,the ferry coperation is abusing us and we refuse to work together. In one community healing event I asked a stranger to do the next excercise with him ( it was relationship building ) this man almost spat in my face and said " I know you " and refused to do the excercise with me. Unfortunately he is the voice of so many here. God it makes me sad. I have my hands full at home. I have a head injured husband and he takes all of my time. Otherwise I would be out in the community but if this community was an inclusive place then we would both be out there,welcomed and active. Bruce Holden is a good man,he helps my husband and he helps elders on this island and I know there is love here but it is not celebrated. People are exploited here. Profit makers and business men pay wages that are pitfully are the profit they make, we need a union on this island to fight for fair wages. Two community halls? No seniors home for the elders? no graveyard, no celing on rents or rentals. We need a really council on this island that will take charge and not island trust who are the lackies of victoria. We need a credit union a rec centre we need a property community hall,that back room is ugly. I could go on but who cares.
What to talk about,the bigger picture is the impact of all this snow and then power outages on top of that
I was begining to think that maybe we were being targeted,but Jackson says that it was all explained last week on CBC morning show called current? It still feels strange that we have a snow storm and no hydro ,well lets say we have had the opportunity to feel our own power,when the power goes out.
I just came back from the back hall,where some of the more compassionate people on the island had organized for a gathering around the fire and food and community in this dark evening. The lights came on at seven .
I gathered in some wood for an elder and gave some wood to a person who has little money and no wood.
Took food to the back hall and candles and brought a load of food from Courtenay for the cafe.
The lights came on and the two trustees came in as their is a meeting tonight about bilaw # ? to do with sawmills on the island, maybe I am thick but why do sawmills need to be regulated when Mr Handcock stole a whole forest.
The young kids were fast to get out of there and did not want to hang around,fear of authority or what.
One of them young men said "See what happens when the power goes out our collective power pulls to together"
Boy it was grand,sitting around the fire,sharing,singing and then everyone left,some live in buses,some live where? I was glad to come home to my warm house but sad to leave the community fireplace.
Though to start a coffee house at the back room every Monday of the week called "Unplugged" in memory of this evening. SO where is everyone on this blog? Am the only one here. Next we might have an earthquake and then we are really on our own steam. Imagine it is not even winter yet according to the Gregorian calendar,but come to think did I not celebrate the new year at the beginning of this month.
I know way back at the beginning this page was about the northlands, a bunch of houses and more people verus
what more monster houses...heard about a monster house 3000 sq feet and two people living there,maybe they are building a long house for their family or maybe they are playing king and queen
The commons...lomg may it remain and then a tribal park with a real long house that we the people build togeather with the three native tribes and we can have multiculture festivals,sharing the spirit.
God I hope the elders and the sick and the wee ones are ok.I saw a lonely wee dear on denman road this evening,I stopped to give him/her some apples. We have lost about four apple trees,weighted down by ice,they snapped. Come next week we are getting in our van and driving to the dessert, I think.
Good night sweet dreams..yesa dreams are so important
buffalo spirit
It seems to me that there is a poignancy in some of the recent observations. The blog has been somewhat dormant of late, perhaps due to folks having busy lives or other means to communicate.
I had heard about the monday night community weather the storm gathering in the back hall. I imagine it was very much like gatherings of old.
Community is a big word. It does not necessarily mean unanimity.(incidentally a dose of spellcheck might help me as I truly rely on it by the way and hate to misspell)
I think true community is not stagnant. It allows opposition; it allows controversy. More than anything, it embraces acceptance. This becomes difficult when positions are polarized. People like polarization. They like the sureness of a fixed position. Many people respect those who hold fast to their point of view, who don't waffle. I think firm positions are fine; hard hearts are not.
Community is what it is. We are constantly building it, building it and living in its wake. Some may have a blueprint for the building of a better community. More than anything, I think respect and tolerance and humor are the building blocks.
This damn series of outages has turned me into a seriously dull philosopher.
I am so dissapointed that this board has died. Fox if you have closed the board can you please let us know.
I just went on Henning's page and am delighted to find that they have run a history on our forests.
I am also amazed the amount of inserts in the Grapevine on the topic.
Personally I support option three but I do not think the conservation group on the island have the expertise to manage the forest donated to the community. I would like to suggest that we have a real forest coop set up with a community office and a working forest set up along the lines of Merve Wilkinson's Wildwood.
Job opportunities abound.
sheila simpson
You have all been had... In 1973 Komas Ranch did an illegal sub-division under the table with the Strathcona regional district. Did anyone notice? I quess not, when they sectioned their farm out of the ALR. The 20 building sites did not have building permits or site permits.Did they care about community planning or developing a gated community for only the wealthy. Did you all know that the north end of denman what we call the spit is a regional park. Oh to bad you can't reach it, no access. Do your research, and find the truth. good luck
former islander
Just say no.
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