Re: Oct. 20 Chemainus Valley Courier – Jesse McClinton after winning election Area G:
“One of the issues that prompted him to run for the director’s position was a situation in April when the Saltair Slo-Pitch League was initially denied a Special Events Permit by the CVRD’s Electoral Area Services Committee, but later given a reprieve to operate during the season at the Centennial Park ball fields.”
This is quite the flip-flop from his campaign statements that the Saltair Slo-Pitch League was denied their permit. His email to all Thetis Island residents stating “about eight months ago, I learned that the Saltair slow pitch league was denied its permit for the first time in over 40 years. As I began to investigate, I became frustrated with the reasons that were being given.”
Guess his investigation did not include reading the CVRD staff report and the minutes from the April 13 board meeting or watching the video.
The CVRD board authorized the Saltair Slo-Pitch League Special Events Permit on April 13, 2022. Seems that CVRD staff usually just authorize these permits but due to issues that were stated in the staff report it was bumped up to the board level. Appears the league was unable to self-regulate and follow the CVRD Parks & Trails Bylaw. At the April 13 board meeting, Director (Lynne) Smith’s statement seeking support from the board directors for approval of the permit included the economic benefit for the local businesses in Saltair and additional restrictions on the league.
Kudos to Director Smith for her willingness to consider the local economic benefits and giving the league an opportunity to play a full season and hold two tournaments in 2022.
Barbara Anderson,
Saltair