Despite all claims to the contrary, our little town continues to improve and prosper. All we need now in Qualicum Beach is leadership, optimism and vision.
As an architect and planner, I know that the planning and development process is fraught with fear and misunderstanding.
We easily forget that we have creativity and talent in the community.
But just look around! New businesses are opening and new projects are taking shape. We are ready to begin phase one of a funded Waterfront Development Plan which we could not have imagined even a year ago. We have redevelopment proceeding at the Qualicum College site. We have an outstanding proposal for the redevelopment of the Qualicum Kiwanis Village. We are also witnessing the transformation of the declining Old Dutch Inn.
Few towns are so fortunate to have a development of this quality and caliber — West Coast materials and outstanding architectural details. These are not Bavarian; they are not Dutch, they are Canadian — clear, strong, and clean. I propose a vote of thanks to all concerned, to the developers, the designers and the builders, all our own people. Let us now match their talent with a Memorial Plaza as an outstanding waterfront setting for the Qualicum Beach Inn and a suitable commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Great War.
In addition, let us move ahead with an illustrated Master Plan for Qualicum Beach, a Master Plan that gives us an actual picture of where we are going, not a vague Official Community Plan, but a graphic response that addresses our magnificent setting, connects all our memorable places, identifies the projects we need, and leaves us with a lasting Vision. We are on the right track.
We live in a cynical and disillusioned age. There are many reasons to say No, but one reason to say yes. Yes we need this vision to bring us together, to create opportunities for our abundant talent, and to build something irreplaceable for those who follow us.
Andrew Brown
Qualicum Beach