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I would like to draw the attention of Victoria city council to the fact that we do not live in southern Ontario. Summer weather here does not routinely include temperatures of 110 F and humidities of 100%, conditions where a splash pad would be very desirable.
Here, pleasurable summer activities can include sitting under a lovely old tree and admiring the beauty of a fountain.
As well, I think a large sum of money could usefully be devoted to activities that would tend to prevent most or all downtown businesses going bankrupt.
Chas Low
Victoria
Picton is a picturesque and dynamic ferry port of 5,000 inhabitants, situated on the north coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
In the town centre, within one square kilometre, the public finds available more than 20 stainless steel toilet units, each with a sink, urinal and toilet. Most of these bathrooms have changing tables and all are accessible. They are clean, tidy and free of charge.
In our downtown core, Victorians have been denied facilities for this most basic human need.
Victoria’s city councillors ought to change their focus from the proposed “splash park” to a more urgent concern, to benefit us all.
Juta Worster
Victoria
Re: “Chinese shipyard to build new vessels for B.C. Ferries,” June 11.
As a resident of North Saanich, and frequent user of the B.C. Ferries system, I am outraged by the conclusion rendered by the B.C. Ferries board of directors. The procurement deal is with China to build four major ferry vessels at Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards in China. It seems to me that we can do better than supporting a country that is causing harm to Canada through tariffs.
While the CEO might state this is the best deal for British Columbia, it is a rationalization that does not adequately address the decision-making process.
The decision in my view is both frivolous and irresponsible, and was made without due diligence.
The board of directors appears not to have an understanding of the effect their outrageous decisions and actions will have on our communities and moral values.
Instead of making deals and supporting China, we should look to our allies and ensure our money supports the values we have as British Columbians.
The best deal for British Columbia would obviously be to bring jobs to B.C. through the trades and implementing an innovative shipbuilding strategy for the province. The premier of the province and the provincial government have a responsibility to step in and put an end to this madness.
Daryl Barnett
North Saanich
Re: “Politicians criticize deal to build vessels in China; B.C. Ferries defends decision,” June 12.
I know politicians don’t have to be very bright, but I thought that being literate would be fairly important. What part of “No Canadian companies made a bid on the project” did they not understand?
Ian Cameron
Brentwood Bay
Re: “Business group calling for rapid action to save downtown,” June 12.
Jeff Bray, chief executive of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, provided a very needed call to action to save downtown. And, as he said, there is no time for perfect solutions.
When all but one business out of 61 I visited on lower Johnson Street eagerly signed a petition in support of the Hampton Hotel at Government and Pandora, I was shocked by the almost unanimous support.
Businesses are crying out, yet city council declined this very needed hotel because they believe the real issue is protecting vintage charm.
It seems to me that many on city council are more focused on protecting vintage buildings than the people and businesses trying to survive in them. What preserves the charm of downtown is small businesses and those of us who live downtown who need a reason to stay.
Yes, we need more bylaw officers but we also need bylaws with teeth they can enforce.
Yes, we need more police, but we have observed them sitting in their cars watching chaos on the streets instead of engaging.
And yes, we need addicts and illegal campers removed from downtown over and over.
Downtown is the economic engine for Victoria. We must restore a sense of safety and charm so the people of Victoria come back downtown to shop and recreate. It is not a kindness to leave these poor people on the sidewalks, their dissolution on full display. We cannot allow these few to so damage downtown. There are no perfect solutions, yet action is needed anyway.
Lisa Tindall
Victoria
I read in theVancouver Sunlast week that 4,840 brand new condos are unsold in Metro Vancouver. Off-plan sales, which are sales before a project is built, have stopped.
Developments have been cancelled or abandoned. Investment buyers, who fuelled the rampant condo price inflation of recent years, have given up. And no wonder. Economic uncertainty and increased costs have massively reduced demand for luxury condos.
The same applies to Victoria, and yet the city council is promoting a gigantic tower at the corner of Quebec, Montreal and Kingston streets. The development needs rezoning because it is out of all proportion to the rest of James Bay.
There have been many letters in theTimes Colonistpointing out the reasons this is a terrible idea, most recently: “Six storeys is enough for James Bay.”
There will be a public hearing since the project requires rezoning.
Perhaps the most powerful argument against the tower is the fact that this “monstrous carbuncle” is unwanted by city planners, local residents, investors and homebuyers alike, and would be a dead loss economically.
Diana Clift
Victoria
Re: “Leaders should ignore Trump outbursts at G7 summit: former PM Chrétien,” June 13.
Apparently, former prime minister Jean Chrétien wants dignitaries attending the upcoming G7 leader’s summit in Alberta to avoid engaging the “crazy” from U.S. President Donald Trump. He says dignitaries should follow the example set by Prime Minister Mark Carney and avoid feeding the “crazy.”
But the real question is: Why is Trump being invited to the summit at Kananaskis? Are there two sets of laws in Canada? One for the wealthy and politically powerful, and one for everyone else?
Isn’t it time Chrétien, Carney and other dignitaries grew some gonads and enforced the laws of the land?
Trump is a convicted felon and our laws are very clear on how we treat felons: They are not allowed to cross our borders. There’s no engagement if the “crazy” isn’t in the room. Problem solved.
Ken Dwernychuk
Esquimalt
Many are volunteering to spread the word for the “No” vote in Saanich regarding the alternative approval process. I became involved because I cannot support a process that denies information and a voice for all.
I go every day to the Saanich Municipal Hall to retrieve 10 elector response forms and have been doing so since May 21 when this process began. Saanich developed a policy in January to limit the forms given out to citizens to 10 per day. Hardly enough to canvass streets, get signatures at coffee shops, etc.
On June 11, I came home to an envelope in my mailbox. It was a thank-you card that read: “From your Saanich Friends.” In it was a $100 gift card for my gas. I was so humbled with such a kind and generous gift.
I can assure you that I and all the volunteers expect no such gifts; your signature for the “No” to this AAP is a gift enough. To stand up for everyone to have a voice and for all the information they need. Your signature and those of your friends and family will be the gift for everyone here in Saanich.
Please visit the website saveoursaanich.com for further information and downloading of your forms. Please complete your forms accurately and no electronic signatures are allowed when forwarding to Saanich. We need 9,000 signatures by June 25.
Margaret Bachmann
Saanich
Re: “Business group calling for rapid action to save downtown,” June 12.
When it comes to the Downtown Victoria Business Association wanting more police, I totally agree. But if there are no consequences for crimes committed it would a waste of time. Fix that problem first and move forward from there.
Steve Harvey
Saanich
Re: “Business group calling for rapid action to save downtown,” June 12.
Jeff Bray of the Downtown Victoria Business Association is proposing a solution. The province is not. Businesses need to lead on this as political people have not. I suggest a partnership with addictions specialist Dr. Caroline Ferris and providing care on the site of the portable living spaces, with a portable hospital.
Treatment and care should not be an option. Humanely deal with this ongoing issue that plagues almost every community. Addiction is going to grow with decriminalization. Addiction will continue to overload first responders and emergency rooms.
Phil Harrison
Comox
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