Oak Bay News, May 18, 2012

Page 1

OAK BAYNEWS All things Scottish

Looking for direction

From a drum challenge to the caber toss, the Victoria Highland Games offers it all. Community, Page A13

Local writers and film buffs match directors with scripts in the One to 11 project. Arts, Page A14

Friday, May 18, 2012

Watch for breaking news at www.oakbaynews.com

Residents upset with mayor’s tolerance message Protest over modern, larger homes in Oak Bay heats up Laura Lavin News staff

A statement by Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen commenting on a recent protest over new architecture in the municipality has some residents boiling mad. “He lambasted us and we had no chance to respond because he had the microphone,” said Mary Douglas, who called the mayor’s comments a “tirade.” “I would have said that it’s because we care that this started in the first place.” Douglas and about 30 other protesters went to council Monday night, only to learn they would have no chance to participate in the council session. Instead, Jensen met with the group in the foyer of municipal hall prior to the meeting where he made his statement. “I was quite pleased that he listened to us and spoke to us,” said Caroline Mitchell. “I thought he was quite respectful.” Then some of the group went into council chambers and heard what the mayor had to say about their protest. “The group gathered at a recently built home in the 1200-block of Monterey,” Jensen said in his statement. “The house is occupied by newcomers to our community, a father and three schoolage children. I cannot speak to how this new member of our community felt as he looked out at the protest in front of his home. However, if people had gathered outside of my home to protest the way my home was designed, painted or landscaped, as a new resident I would feel most unwelcome and wonder what was happening. “Oak Bay is a great community that prides itself on being welcoming to newcomers. We are a community of friendship and neighbourliness. We celebrate diversity.”

Hitting a high note Grade 9 student Elliot Rogers holds his upright bass high as he navigates the narrow gate onto the school track for the first marching practice of the year for the Oak Bay High School Marching Band. The band is practising for its annual appearance at the Oak Bay Tea Party parade on June 2.

PLEASE SEE: Residents asked to join, Page A5

Don Denton/News staff

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