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LETTER: Don’t change for change sake

While still a relative newcomer to Parksville Qualicum Beach, I am pleasantly surprised at how our tax dollars seem to be spent, compared to my last community. I don’t like to compare apples to oranges, or a mountainside community to an oceanside community, but the similarities between Squamish and surrounding areas and Parksville Qualicum Beach are worth noting.
12718378_web1_PQN-Letters

While still a relative newcomer to Parksville Qualicum Beach, I am pleasantly surprised at how our tax dollars seem to be spent, compared to my last community. I don’t like to compare apples to oranges, or a mountainside community to an oceanside community, but the similarities between Squamish and surrounding areas and Parksville Qualicum Beach are worth noting.

Many years ago, the idea of automated trash collection was waved in front of the District of the day, and talked of the same benefits as mentioned in the NEWS story on July 12. The residents were hooked.

This idea seemed very attractive at the time, residents were told this was the way of the future, not mentioning the fact that more than a few jobs were lost and the additional cost the totes would be on property taxes, or the size.

Gone are the days of the 70-100 litre tote that you can easily pull to the curb, tuck neatly in your garage, shed or beside your house. Enter the GIANT medium tote (246 litre/65 gal) that doesn’t fit anywhere, but has to be used because the truck has ‘arms’ that lift.

Then came the same tote for recyclables and compost, with the increase of our taxes at $195-$415 per year, depending on the tote size you requested. The residents of Squamish and the surrounding areas were duped.

So, my point is, do not change something just for change sake. Don’t be dazzled by the idea and bright lights. All the facts should be presented, including sizes and costs. I try very hard to minimize my waste and make every effort to recycle as much as possible, and the system is not in need of a major overhaul. Don’t be duped in thinking that automation is the way to go.

Laura Godfrey

Qualicum Beach