Dean Murdock Saanich Councillor

Council approves daycare with rooftop playground
By Kyle Slavin - Saanich News

Roofs are not somewhere children should play, said two Saanich councillors last week during discussions about a rezoning request that would allow a daycare with a rooftop play area.

"I don't think that is an appropriate place for kids to play," said Coun. Wayne Hunter, who spoke against the proposal along with Coun. Vic Derman. "This is Saanich, not New York or Toronto or L.A – one of those downtown core areas. This is Saanich."

Saanich Council Demonstrates ‘Smart Growth’
A. Furtado, Saanich Voice Online

Coffee shop mandated for Gordon Head corner lot
By Kyle Slavin, Saanich News

Council's position seemed pretty clear. Either a coffee shop is guaranteed for the corner of Tyndall and San Juan avenues, or the property would not get rezoned.

After councillors expressed extreme discontent that Matt Pye wouldn't commit in writing to a coffee shop, he ultimately agreed to a one-year covenant requiring one.

Kicking the car habit
By Kyle Slavin - Saanich News

Saanich is getting serious about changing the municipality’s current car culture.

Last week, council started the process to create a policy to ensure alternative transportation funding is expected anytime a developer wants a parking variance for a multi-family residential unit in the municipality.

Derelict buildings torn down after decade as Saanich eyesores
Kyle Slavin - Saanich News

"Hallelujah!" That was Don Cottrell's excited reaction first thing Monday morning when an excavator tore through one of four derelict homes that neighbour his condo.

Cottrell lives just steps from the corner of Cloverdale Avenue and Inverness Road where, for almost a decade, neighbours and council have been working to get the eyesores torn down.

"We're thrilled to see them go," Cottrell said.

Deadline set for demolishing eyesores on Inverness and Cloverdale
By Kyle Slavin - Saanich News

A half-block of derelict buildings will soon no longer be an eyesore for passing motorists or nearby residents.

Four vacant houses on the corner of Cloverdale Avenue and Inverness Road will be demolished by August 2011 to make way for a 42-unit residence and coffee shop.

At public hearing Tuesday night, Saanich council unanimously gave first, second and third readings to issue a rezoning application and development permit to build The Rutledge complex.

Public hearing adjourned after marathon session

By Kyle Slavin - Saanich News

Saanich council will next Tuesday readdress a 42-unit apartment complex with commercial space that stalled following a marathon public hearing this week.

Coun. Dean Murdock said he was “disappointed” at the level of committment from the developer to capitalize on alternative transportation opportunities in the neighbourhood around Cloverdale Avenue at Inverness Street.