Re: ‘Show respect as part of process’ (Letters, PQB News, Aug. 12)
The letter is filled with hypocritical, misleading and patronizing statements.
The letter-writer should know that respect must be earned and is never just handed out.
To date, the current Qualicum Beach council and staff have failed to earn even a scintilla of it.
They have been anything but forthright and transparent in dealing with a myriad of problems, particularly during the COVID-19 quarantine.
They could have avoided many of the ill feelings, letters, videos, protests and the FOI as directed towards them, had they chosen to respond to concerns with answers free from political double-speak.
The letter-writer suggests that all processes require timely community collaboration, but now the rush of some of the latest re-zoning bylaws, amendments and capital expenditures have occurred, that’s obviously no longer the case.
Yes, many of us are apoplectic seeing our Urban Containment Boundary and the Official Community Plan – the foundations of what made this town a gem – being tossed aside and replaced with whatever works best for a few developers.
Council and staff have wasted too much time and taxpayer money accommodating these private requests, instead of focusing on public issues that affect the community as a whole.
We need affordable housing and rentals so why not use a few parcels of our land within the UCB, rezone them accordingly and sell them to builders?
That’ll help refill town coffers, create jobs for the building trades and get the housing we desperately need which will also encourage a rebirth of local businesses.
We want to see the old Bus Garage developed and with all residents suggestions and those from VIU students, now’s the time to put together a decisive plan that benefits all.
We need more doctors and/or nurse practitioners that we’ve heard should soon arrive.
Forget the roundabout, we don’t have the money, put in lights instead. When considering the future of St. Andrew’s Waterfront Park, remember the input of all QB residents, and proceed with that in mind.
Deborah McKinley
Qualicum Beach