David vs. Goliath: Quarterlands’ Fight Against Development

Dear Quarterlands Community,

For over two years, Quarterlands Group has stood united, voicing our serious concerns and objections against a proposed development that threatens the very essence of our community and the natural beauty surrounding us. Over 450 letters of objection have been submitted. Our efforts have been fueled by a shared passion to protect what we hold dear — our homes, our environment, and our way of life.

In December, we were confronted with an unexpected challenge. The developer, backed by substantial resources, engaged a senior barrister, KC, to produce a rebuttal to our objections. The sheer magnitude of money and legal expertise thrown against our grassroots movement left us in awe. It became clear that this fight was not just about principles; it was about power.

However, in the face of this daunting opposition, we refused to back down. I January we were made aware of and reached out to PILS (Public Interest Litigation Support), an organization committed to assisting communities like ours in the pursuit of justice. Their dedication to public interest litigation aligns perfectly with our cause. We are thrilled to announce that PILS has recently agreed to stand by us and is actively seeking a pro bono barrister to champion our cause we are on their NGO page.

As friends and neighbors, we stand together, armed not with a substantial budget, but with a fierce determination to safeguard our community and environment. The strength of our cause lies in our unity and shared conviction that we deserve a say in the future of our surroundings and of the LVRP.

In a recent plea to the LCCC planning department, we requested a postponement of the planning meeting scheduled for February 5th. We communicated our newfound support from PILS and our chance to secure pro bono legal representation. Despite our reasonable request and the fundamental principles of fairness, we have just learned that our plea has been denied.

This denial raises crucial questions about the fairness of the planning process. How can it be just that a community, armed with nothing but genuine concerns and the support of a public interest litigation organization, is denied the opportunity to present our case in a fair and well-prepared manner, where is the equality of arms?

The fight is far from over. We, remain resolute in our commitment to justice and fairness. We will continue to stand up against this development, advocating for our community’s well-being and the preservation of our cherished environment.

We invite all residents, supporters, and those who believe in a fair fight to stand with us. Together, we can make a difference and show that the strength of community spirit can overcome even the most formidable opponents.

Stay tuned for updates, and let’s continue this journey together.