It was with some concern that I read your account of the proposed sale of the land at the intersection of Fern Road and Memorial Avenue (the Old School Bus site) to Naked Naturals for a grocery store and rental housing.
As a respondent to the request by council for community input into the use of this site, I was pleased to see at that time that the community overwhelmingly supported the space being used for family and youth friendly recreation; specifically a cinema, café, and green space which would provide an inviting cultural entrance to Qualicum Beach.
I believe it is important that land which had been community land should be kept as land for the benefit of the community rather than turned into commercial development.
I am a great supporter of Naked Naturals, but don’t think that a grocery store and apartments do anything to enhance this centrally important location.
Unless some collaboration respecting the clear wishes of the community for the development of this site takes place, we shall be forced to conclude that council only pays lip-service to community consultation and the actual decisions are taken behind the scenes for the benefit of realtors and developers.
Lesley McVey
Qualicum Beach