I moved to Parksville 13 years ago and since then, have become aware of a slow but steady deterioration of our neighbourhood and it is probably the same in many of the other neighbourhoods in Parksville.
Some of the situations contributing to this are recreational vehicle (RV) parking, messy yards, vehicles in front yards that haven’t turned a wheel for several years, and of course, cats.
When one talks to the bylaw enforcement people, we are told that they will not respond to anything without a complaint in writing. This often comes down to neighbours tattling on neighbours. Not the best situation for neighbourly harmony.
Several of us seniors from our area meet once a week in the morning for coffee at one of the local fast-food places. We discuss anything and everything.
Speaking for our group, neighbourhood issues have been a hot-button issue during many of our get-togethers. I feel quite sure that this is the same with many of these morning coffee groups.
Our city council has been the topic of discussion of late, some of the topics being the cost of the new downtown street signs which are nearly impossible to see because of the chosen colours, and the washroom/change room/food outlet at the local park, to name just a couple.
I was in the business of monitoring Worksafe B.C. regulations, as well as safe workplace conditions, which can be compared to bylaws. In my experience, the only way to ensure compliance is to get out into the field and monitor.
For the city bylaw officers, don’t wait for written complaints, for which most bylaw non-compliances issues are not reported. Get out into the city and look around. When you see something, deal with it.
As far as Parksville council is concerned, we need some bylaws to deal with the issues of RV parking and cats.
A suggestion to the mayor and councillors: come out for coffee with a few of these groups and get a taste of what bothers people about life in Parksville.
You will learn much more there than in your Thursday coffee sessions.
If any of you show up at our group breakfast, the treat is on me. Will we see any of you?
Bob LarsonParksville