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Editorial: Speaking out is democratic

In our view it is important for all sides to be heard

It seems the gloves are off.

There are those who vehemently oppose a car wash in the town centre and there are those who think it is a good idea.

Sooke is one of those places where people are vocal, opinionated and not afraid to speak out on issues important to them. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, it is an important part of any democratic process. We each have our own vision of Sooke and where we want it to grow. The Official Community Plan is not written in stone. It is meant to be a guideline, a “vision” of where Sooke is headed. From the document itself, “It is important to note that an OCP is a ‘living document’ that may change over time to more accurately reflect conditions in the community that could not be foreseen at the time it was drafted.”

Each and every time an issue comes up that doesn’t sit well with people, the OCP is either quoted chapter and verse or it is amended. Let’s face it, most residents do not want any development in their neighbourhood. They want the status quo and who can blame them. But, the needs and wants of the majority of the residents should be taken into consideration as well. Sooke is going to grow and where the town centre is now is not the vision set forth in the OCP. It is supposed to be by the water and if that is the case, then the location of the car wash would be on the outskirts of the core. Five car wash bays will not mean traffic jams and line ups. It is complementary to the laundromat and the same waste water system will be used for both. But, it is each person’s right to state their opinion and argue for what they want. It works both ways.