Despite the digital age of enhanced communication, it's clear that some North Vancouver residents have not been getting the message.
Credit District of North Vancouver with understanding that fact and going back to Lynn Valley residents regarding development planning for the Lynn Valley core once council realized the level of backlash against the first Bosa Development concept of two highrise towers.
But consultation creates expectation. It will be fascinating to see whether Lynn Valley residents will agree to trade height for open space in their town centre. If they don't, Lynn Valley won't have highrises, but its central architectural theme will soon be wall-to-wall townhouses.
Why? The district got a pass at its official community plan hearings for a population/density target that more properly belongs in the City of North Vancouver. Many residents only took notice of that once the highrise plan was floated.
Why? The larger and ongoing problem for all municipal representatives is that too many residents are disengaged from the political process. Because of that, they miss the opportunities offered by local governments to have their say when it matters. Instead, they show up with placards and petitions to protest change when it's happening - as opposed to when it is being planned.
We do not know how many of the citizens who booed District of North Vancouver council Monday night for adopting zoning for a new seniors' home in Edgemont Village attended the public hearing. But that was the time and place to convince council the building was out of scale with its surroundings, not Monday.
Lynn Valley residents take note.
