Discretion

The Telegram (Monday September 26) is reporting Deputy Mayor Shannie Duff wants city council to put some guidelines around its discretionary power.

I agree.

I've longed been critical of council and its use of discretionary power. Most troublesome about this power is the inconsistent application of it. Council approves a particular project yet when a similar proposal comes along, approval is not given. Recent examples of this inconsistency are the "drive-thru" applications. Some have been approved - some not. Another example is development on unserviced land.

I'm in favour of not having discretionary powers applied to any development within the city. The Municipal Plan should be designed so we all know what is allowed within certain zones. However, if discretionary power is avaialble, guidelines should be in place.

It will be interesting to see where Duff's proposal goes. I believe it to be a positive step and one long overdue at City Hall.