With all of the fires we have had this summer, I would like to mention that hedges also present a real fire hazard as they dry out on the inside. A good example is the fire that consumed a 100-foot hedge at a townhouse complex in Parksville.
Hedges also provide cover for criminal activity. Two years ago we had our home broken into and I attribute it partially to a high hedge.
Hedges are very nice looking as long as they are maintained and kept to a reasonable height such as you see along Memorial Avenue from the roundabout to Qualicum Foods.
What a shame it would be if these hedges were 10-15 feet high. That beautiful entrance to our town would not be the same.
Bylaws are adopted for various reasons and one is to help protect the rights, safety and value of property owners.
I believe Qualicum Beach should have a bylaw that restricts front-yard hedges to around five or six feet like many other towns and cities have.
We need to give our town another tool to help settle disputes, add to safety and save our values. A proposal to town council to adopt a hedge bylaw is worth consideration.
Your opinion would be appreciated.
Dennis HuntQualicum Beach