It was with repulsion and disbelief that we read of the Qualicum Beach town council’s order to destroy the long-time home of the Heritage Forest’s caretaker while he is still occupying it (‘Building to face wrecking ball’, The NEWS, Nov. 7).
With the stroke of a pen, “without discussion” or public consultation, the council has turned a man’s home into a squat and the man into a miscreant to be tossed out with the rest of the debris.
Nobody knows the truth behind this council’s decision to suddenly turn their turrets around and take aim at this person who has lived quietly for years in the forest’s little stable house and maintained the area in exchange for free rent and utilities, but we suspect it may have something to do with the “free” part of that agreement.
Some individuals are afflicted with an all-consuming phobia that somewhere, somehow, someone may be getting a free lunch. This phobia worms its mean way into their brains causing their eyes to narrow into angry slits and their lips to curl and freeze in place. There’s even a T-shirt available to them that says “Nullum Gratuitum Prandium” — or, to us common folk, “There Is No Free Lunch!” Of course, this war cry is never directed at the upper classes such as royalty, politicians, senators or developers.
Well, since it’s all been decided anyway, why don’t we dust off those “Event In Progress” signs that we so dearly love, grab the kids and head down to the Heritage Forest paddock area for the big show. Christmas is just around the corner — we could have the wrecking ball decorated up like a huge holiday ornament. We could cheer on the Work Safe B.C. inspectors as they haul the man out just before the swinging starts. Maybe have a bonfire using his furniture while the carillon bells play “Peace on Earth Good Will to Men.”
Then we can all go back to our warm homes afterwards and be thankful that we live in such a kind and caring little town.
Fern and Laurence Wayman
Qualicum Beach