Letter: Wildfire should prompt reconsideration of Hidden Hills

Letter: Wildfire should prompt reconsideration of Hidden Hills Published 2:15 pm Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Hopefully, a forest fire in our backyard has heightened our awareness of the danger and loss which could have been much greater if it hadn’t been for...

Letter: Wildfire should prompt reconsideration of Hidden Hills Published 2:15 pm Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Hopefully, a forest fire in our backyard has heightened our awareness of the danger and loss which could have been much greater if it hadn’t been for the quick reporting and availability of the firefighting crews and resources. Another good outcome would be that specifically, Bruce Findlay, Tek Manhas, Becky Hogg and Mike Caljouw gain a heightened awareness and rethink their support for the Hidden Hills development proposal.

The Deputy Fire Chief Chris Jancowski, in an unprecedented appearance at a North Cowichan council meeting, explained the obstacles in keeping the site fire safe for residents and the neighbouring Six Mountains Reserve. Not only are there no hydrants and the nearest fire halls are 10 and 18 kilometers away, many other reasons were given as to why there would be a slow response time to that area. The informed opinions of the fire chief and the municipal staff didn’t sway those councillors from their staunch development-at-any-and-all-cost position.

This isn’t the first time. There are several development proposals outside of the Urban Containment Boundary that they approved. Sites that have no infrastructure for water or sewer.

The research presented by municipal staff which led them to suggest Council deny the proposal, didn’t sway those councillors. Public meetings of residents mostly opposed, those who will bear the burden of increased taxes needed to build additional infrastructure to lands outside of the already serviced UCB, didn’t sway them. They pulled their prewritten decisions out of their briefcases and voted for development as if they heard nothing.

It felt like a slap in the face to those who sat for three hours thinking their voice might matter. If you want to preserve our rural character with farmland, healthy forests and water enough for all, if you want to support growth within already serviced areas, if you want to be heard and represented by the people you vote for; cast your ballot this October. It’s important.

Vote for people who are respectful and value community over the privilege of a few. M. Lescher North Cowichan