Opposition to Sidney Island’s Deer Kill: A Concerned Resident
Times Colonist Letter to the Editor

As a long time resident/owner (18 yrs) on Sidney Island we would like to offer a different perspective on your article regarding the Fallow Deer kill on Sidney Island being proposed by Parks Canada.

— A number of Owners on Sidney Island are feeling Disenfranchised by Parks Canada’s plans to carry out a complete eradication of the Fallow Deer.

— We acquired property on Sidney Island because of its beautiful setting and its flora and fauna. While we acknowledge that the Fallow Deer have and are causing damage to the vegetation, we want Parks Canada to offer the Owners alternative solutions to a complete cull if they wish to get involved in a private property dispute.

— From 2008 to 2013 our Sidney Island community carried out a partial eradication which has had a positive effect on reducing the grazing damage. More is required.

— Parks Canada’s authority in this regard is ultimately provided by Sidney Island’s strata council through a vote by owners. Unfortunately this Council has been plagued by a number of recent controversies involving disagreements with owners over their vision of the island’s future development and direction.

—The arrangement between Parks Canada and our current Council involves a pledge of 1 million dollars to pay for the cull and carry out ecological restoration. It is not hard to see that owners, eager for compromise, are being disadvantaged and Disenfranchised.

— Submitted by Ruth and Jack Albrecht, Sidney Island, Lot 71