There was no shortage of disagreement at Wednesday night’s all candidates forum in Qualicum Beach, but there was at least one issue on which pretty much everyone agreed.
The packed audience at the Civic Centre evidently agreed as well, applauding loudly when council candidate Mary Brouilette mentioned her preference for a neighbourhood pub to be situated in any development at the newly-acquired bus garage site.
During discussion about night life — or lack of it — Brouilette brought up the pub idea, which was warmly received.
“I’m making a pitch for a downtown pub,” she said, to the loudest applause and cheers of the night.
Later, all the candidates were quizzed on their stance on the pub idea, which appeared as popular on the podium as it did in the audience.
Incumbent mayoral candidate Teunis Westbroek was lukewarm to the idea, but he supported it.
“I’m not a big pub fan, but if it’s part of the package that provides economic opportunities and increases the town’s social life, then council’s direction is what we will proceed with,” he said.
His rival, Mike Wansink, was succinct.
“Yes,” he said.
Tom Davies said he would support it, if it was in the right location, while Rich Mennie said he would support it as long as there was no public money involved — a position shared by Scott Tanner.
Carol Nicol Dowe also supported the idea with a simple yes, as did Ed Wolyshyn.