The June 11 County of Vermilion River public hearing concluded not with a rage, or a roar, but a quiet shuffling as residents continued to discuss key issues.
Read more: VIDEO: CVR residents voice opposition to bylaw changes
The hearing revolved around what was supposed to be a question period from the public to county council and administration surrounding the proposed land use bylaw and municipal development plan.
Richard Starke moderated the evening and while he attempted to keep the event in line with the two-minute preamble before the question, the crowd quickly voiced their desire to hear the residents out.
Understanding the will of the people, he allowed those at the microphone to carry on and continue their speeches.
This was the first of many positives from the county, administration and moderation.
The people in the audience were clearly upset about the proposed changes to the pair of bylaws. Rather than those on the stage getting combative, they sat for three hours and heard what everyone had to say. Answering any questions and giving insight into their processes and their next steps.
They entertained plenty of, interesting claims, shedding light on items that likely fuelled a lot of fear around these proposed changes.
As I sat in the corner of the packed hall, slowly losing my hearing because I chose to stand next to a speaker, I realized how passionate and effective council was.
I find covering municipal politics there can be a disconnect between the elected officials and the public. You could hear from the way council spoke they really did hear the residents and their needs.
Explaining why they didn’t want fences on easements so farmers could get their machinery through. Or how businesses are looking to come in, but the current bylaw is too restrictive.
They clearly heard from residents about fears of how residents would be able to use their properties, or what livestock they could keep.
In the face of an angry hall of a few hundred people, County of Vermilion River council and administration kept their cool and engaged effectively with their constituents.
These kinds of dialogues are important. Without the public’s voice,
council moves as they believe fit for the betterment of the municipality. If you have a concern, no matter where you live, reach out to your councillor, mayor or reeve and open that dialogue.
I think only time will tell what happens with the land use bylaw and the municipal development plan for the county.
Read more: CVR pulls plug on MDP and LUB
