'Re: Population growth not exactly wild in Parksville Qualicum Beach.
I question John Hardings characterization of area residents as “chicken littles” should they choose to advocate growth control, rather than growth accommodation. I’ve met some who call the present levels of development “rampant or unchecked”, but they hardly constitute an anti-development “crowd”.
What I believe the editor is actually hearing is dissatisfaction with the pro-business direction of the B.C. Liberal Govt. and the composition of Premier Clark’s inner circle. It’s loaded with wealthy politicos such as Mike de Jong and Rich Coleman who are tied directly or indirectly to real estate deals, including big land giveaways, a kind of aid to dependent corporations. Given the B.C. Liberal party’s massive campaign war chest, fed by dark money and unlimited donations, it’s obvious what their future agenda would be if re-elected.
Parksville/Qualicum Beach residents have reason to be concerned, not about what is going on today, but what the near future would inevitably hold.
The Vancouver Island Construction Association reported an increase in building permits, $1.85 billion worth in 2016, and expects the number of permits to increase by 20 per cent this year, regardless of the election outcome.
I do agree with the editor’s conclusion that water is a chief concern as the population rises. The trees are still under stress from the summer drought of 2015, suggesting that it might be prudent to collect whatever supplemental water supplies we can during the wet season. Building a network of cisterns is a solution that has worked well for thousands of years.
I believe it should not only be encouraged but perhaps even subsidized.
Mark Stevlingson
Errington