Once a rumour is made, it can spread like wildfire – something Sooke Mayor Maja Tait knows all too well.
Recently, a rumour was circulating that Tait gave orders to dig up grave sites near the Knox Church in Sooke to make room for the Knox Centre housing development.
Tait received multiple inquiries from confused relatives of those buried at the cemetery, but she assured them it was just a rumour.
On Monday, Tait reported to council to make sure everyone is clear that nothing will be happening to the cemetery or the grave sites.
“There are very strict policies on developing around cemeteries, and not only with developments but for any project really. If you find human remains while doing any form project, construction has to stop until the remains are examined,” explained Tait, adding that this is far from the first time she has dealt with an unusual inquiry.
“I think for certain rumours or inquiries it is just like that game of telephone, where a messaged is passed along and by the last person who says it, the message is quite different. I assume that is definitely what happened with the cemetery concerns,” said Tait.
She added that Sooke is very busy right now with all of the growth, projects and developments, which is likely why she receives questions from concerned citizens so regularly.
“It’s always a learning curve for me, but I always try to answer people’s inquiries to the best of my ability,” said Tait.
“Sometimes I don’t have the answer on-hand, so I have to do a bit of research and go over it with staff, but whether the question is about a rumour or not, it’s all part of the job and I do my best to find a resolution.”
editor@sookenewsmirror.com
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