I am Vancouver Island born and raised, and have lived in Parksville almost 42 years.
The issue on the building of a supportive care homeless shelter on Corfield Street is completely unacceptable. It should not be built on a direct access to the beach, in the downtown core and so near to residences of the city.
I am not against the shelter, but it should not be built downtown. As the city is receiving $6.9 million dollars, it can be relocated to the unpopulated areas at the edge of town. This shelter being built downtown requires a major rezoning change. It should be built where the zoning pemits this type of development. Transportation to the downtown core could be provided.
We have gathered many signatures of the families opposed to the building on Corfield Street, but so far have not received any consideration from the City of Parksville. If this construction continues, there will be consequences, at least a reduction in tourism, which is our major source of revenue, and the forced relocation of the young population of the area, to a safer place for families. Parksville will suffer job losses and will not be a viable community for the seniors and youth of the area. This means no staffing of the many businesses that make this a place to live, and provide the much-required services in the city.
I have a family, and young grandchildren and am hoping saner minds will prevail and the future of this city and this way of life will not be jeopardized by the ill-planned, hasty decisions of a few outweighing the consequenses of the entire city. The homeless, and addicts deserve a chance to be rehabilitated, but residents deserve consideration even more. This move could be for the benefit of Parksville or the annihilation of a entire community. Please consider the consequences. Don’t wait until it is too late.
Moira L’Huillier
Parksville