A community group wanting to stop oil tanker traffic in B.C. waters got what they wanted at District of Sooke council on September 8.
Transition Town Sooke Society requested a second question on the November ballot and after a half dozen speakers and written submissions, council approved the move.
In a report to council it was recommended not to place the question on a ballot but to consider a resolution similar to those in other municipalities. In 2011 and 2012 The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) considered a resolution on the oil tanker traffic issue and Mayor Wendal Milne sent a letter to the Minister of Environment in Ottawa stating opposition to increased tanker traffic.
Chief Election Officer Tom Moore had recommended not placing the non-binding item on the ballot stating that with the loan authorization bylaw already on the ballot it could cause confusion.
Mayor Milne had suggested an on-line survey and a re-affirmation letter rather than placing it on the ballot.
Letters to the mayor in support of placing the item on the ballot stated they wanted to “give Sooke voters the opportunity to weigh in on this vital question.”