Calm before the storm?

The CRD is working hard - some directors are trying to find ways to stop this madness, while voting block "A" is trying their best to forge ahead - and the rest of us seem to be in a waiting game.  The Juan de Fuca Land Use Committee (the urban planners working closely with the developer to see this project gets its proper consideration) have published nothing new since their April 19 staff report (http://www.crd.bc.ca/reports/juandefucalandusecom_/2011_/04april_/index.htm) where they dropped the following amazing bit of news:

There have been approximately 700 emails, letters or cards and a petition with 102 signatures submitted regarding this proposal.  The vast majority are opposed to the proposal largely based up on the perceived degradation of the JdF Provincial Park and the negative impact on the wilderness experience of the Marine Trail users.  A large segment of the respondents are opposed to the development that would potentially take land out of renewable resource use.  Based upon the large public opposition to the proposal, there is merit in not approving the rezoning of these lands.

Inexplicably, the recommendations included at the end of the staff report are to go ahead with the rezoning that the developer needs, ultimately leading to approving the project.  There's no real business case for approving the project - it's apparently just assumed that they really, really want to.

And so we wait. What will the CRD board decide? What will the JdF Land Use Committee recommend? Will Mr. Ilkay come to his senses and realize that this development is too big, too remote, and not welcome here?

One thing for sure: the game is not over when the CRD makes its decision. If they deny the project, Mr. Ilkay will likely sue someone. Or everyone.  And if they approve the project, local activists will be in an uproar. There will be public demonstrations, rallies, possibly some rowdy shenanigans, and if history is any guide there will be blockades and other direct action.  Possibly a lawsuit from some well-organized activists too, so the CRD should be prepared to go to court regardless of its decision.

This is far from over.... make your plans, bide your time, and see you all soon! Until then, enjoy a picture of Ender Ilkay destroying the Juan de Fuca Trail with his laser eyes! Curious to find out more about Ender Ilkay?

Boycott Marine Trails Resort: a creative outlet

My spoof ads for Ender Ilkay's Marine Trails Resort are already coming in, so I've decided to create a new blog devoted to more satire and artistic commentary. See what I think of Ender Ilkay and his Marine Trails Resort over at my sister site: Marine Trails Resort Review

If you find these funny, or have ideas for captions and art projects of your own, tell me in the comments! Or, use the contact form on this blog.  I will respond to all e-mail and comments, though it may take a while. There isn't internet access out in the woods yet, and I quite like it that way!

Please, send in your captioned photos or caption ideas! You can use the caption generator at roflbot!1! to caption any of Mr. Ilkay's pictures to add your thoughts (use google image search to find a good picture to caption)

CRD delays Marine Trails hearings for another month

Exciting news of today's CRD meeting has made it to me.  The CRD's "Land Use Committee A" (the 5-member committee that is somehow empowered to make decisions of enormous impact with seemingly little oversight) has recommended that the bylaw amendment hearing be delayed until the next CRD meeting in June.  This is likely because their planners are moving so fast to bend so many rules, they haven't had time to actually finalize any of their bylaws and agreements.  Its a strange game of politics they're playing, where they're using a phased development agreement to secure concessions from the developer.  This proposal is also the first strata-type development proposed in the region, so their policies and bylaws that would normally cover such things are literally nonexistant. Making up rules as they go along?

This would not normally be exciting, except for the OTHER developments from the meeting.  Councillors Phillippe Lucas and Vic Derman pushed hard to propose a new CRD policy for dealing with developments and proposals that are contrary to the CRD's Regional Growth Strategy.  Apparently, it was assumed that once all the various municipalities had agreed to the RGS, they would automatically start following it.  Hah. So there is apparently no process for the board to decide whether a community is violating the RGS, and if so, what to do about it.

This has been given a temporary fix: the CRD is now prepared to gain legal counsel and challenge proposals through the courts.  it would be better if they could just decide using their own mechanisms, or using an arbitrator, rather than going through an expensive legal process, but at least it's something.

This has laid the groundwork for the next logical step: a motion that Ender Ilkay's Marine Trail Resort proposal is in violation of the CRD's Regional Growth Strategy, and that it should be denied outright! The CRD Chair (Geoff Young) would not allow a motion to be brought forward under their newly-created procedure until the next meeting, but it seems likely that one will appear.

Now is the time to step up the pressure even more.  The CRD has heard us - hundreds of letters and emails have flowed in, and the CRD cannot ignore the massive public opposition to this proposal.  An easy way to help is to use the mailer created by the Wilderness Committee to reach the entire CRD board and encourage them to put a stop to this insane proposal.  In particular, thank and encourage Vic Derman and Philippe Lucas for their leadership on the issue.

Marine Trail Resort properties will be on sale soon!

Since it looks like the CRD is set to rubber-stamp Vancouver Island's newest sprawling subdivision, we thought we'd give a sneak-peak to the advertising that may soon be making an appearance. With an artist's creative touch, of course :)

(Note: pictures are not of actual Marine Trails properties. They haven't been clearcut.... yet!)

Ender Ilkay's Marine Trail Resort caption contest

People who love our wild west coast are left asking themselves: what in the world is Ender Ilkay thinking?!? Here's our thoughts on what might be going through his head, presented in single-frame comic form.

Ender Ilkay Marine Trail Resort Caption 

Ender Ilkay's thoughts on the Marine Trail Resort?