I settled in Qualicum Beach because I was attracted to its natural beauty and the way that the town resembles an English seaside village.
I love the feel of the village centre, its pedestrian friendly streets and lanes, The Old School House, restaurants and cafes, Village Theatre, the old train station and the Heritage Forest.
In the summer, our town comes alive with children and families walking to our beautiful beach and Oceanside promenade, enjoying festivals, markets, hiking trails and gardens.
In the winter, I love the stormy weather and the quiet serenity of the town.
I have never felt that I need more than the quality of life that Qualicum Beach offers me. I ask myself, what would more and bigger development bring? Would this magic that has been created here be enhanced or would it be threatened by bigger buildings and an extended growth boundary? I don't want to find out and I don't know why we need to find out. I don't want large buildings in our downtown area, and I certainly don't want urban sprawl.
My bed and breakfast guests tell me that I live in paradise. I say, I know, we are blessed.
I vote to re-elect Mayor Teunis Westbroek and four like-minded councillors, to keep Qualicum Beach the award winning jewel it already is.
Karen Taylor
Qualicum Beach