From the Delta Optimist – March 9, 2011

by Sandor Gyarmati

A 13-minute video has become the controversy within the controversy
over the proposal to have the contentious Southlands placed back in the
Agricultural Land Reserve.

During the first evening of the
Tsawwassen Area Plan public hearing last Tuesday, supporters of the
civic recommendation asked to play a video by Vancouver filmmaker
Damien Gillis.

To the chagrin of several in the audience who
voiced their displeasure, Delta council, after some discussion, agreed
to play five minutes of the video, not exceeding the time limit
normally allotted to speakers. Councillors were then to view the
remainder on their own time at a later date.

The narrated video,
called Saving the Southlands, has scenic shots and interview clips of
several people against allowing development on the land, including
Richmond Coun. Harold Steves and Southlands the Facts spokesperson Dana
Maslovat.

On the next night of the hearing, Mayor Lois Jackson
read a statement noting council had received legal advice from
municipal solicitor Greg Vanstone, who said the remainder of the video
should not be viewed by council “due to potentially defamatory or
inaccurate statements.”

The mayor read, “I would request that
anyone who wishes to display another video immediately provide a copy
to Mr. (George) Harvie so that it may be reviewed by our solicitor to
ensure that it is appropriate for display.”

When contacted by
the Optimist Monday, Vanstone refused to comment, citing
solicitor-client privilege. He said it would be up to council to direct
him to comment any further from what the mayor had already read.

Southlands
the Facts immediately posted the video on the Internet, calling it a
“banned video” by council. The group claims the Southlands was removed
30 years ago under questionable evidence.

On a website created by
Gillis and broadcaster Rafe Mair called Common Sense Canadian, the
question was raised whether the banning of the video will lead to a
“vetting” of public hearing submissions by civic bureaucrats.

The
site states: “Imagine the next time you go to speak at a hearing on an
industrial project that threatens the environment in your community,
you have to gain government approval for your remarks before delivering
them! Is this not a slippery slope?”

Noting a local resident
involved with the production has contacted the B.C. Civil Liberties
Association, Gillis told the Optimist he’ll demand an apology from
council for impugning his credibility.

Those in favour of the ALR
recommendations also argued developers regularly come forward with
expensive and polished videos and Powerpoint presentations to sell
their points of view.

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