As editor John Harding hints in his editorial Sept. 18, plans are only dreams unless action is taken.
Being careful calls for discussion, meetings and maybe hiring consultants, or doing nothing. Anyone with an observant eye can see numerous, potential low cost projects to enhance the downtown Parksville experience for all.
When a property on Weld Street was listed at $299k a few months ago, I was surprised that neither Marc Lefevbre nor Bill Neufeld seized the opportunity to buy it just before election time — a bona fide chance for a legacy.
The adjacent narrow lane is a busy one, a link in the meandering footpath through the city from Mills to McMillan for those who wish to avoid the noisy, stinky 19A. Vehicles exiting the parkade often hit the close fence and force pedestrians and cyclists to scurry into a safe spot.
With a compassionate relocation for the mobile home tenants on Weld Street, this lot could serve to beautify downtown, providing a mid-town oasis for workers, visitors and citizens to enjoy a coffee or meal ‘en plein air’ while also widening the treacherous, much-used lane for the benefit of pedestrians (some are commuters) and cyclists who value fitness and frugality.
Making the downtown core accessible, interesting, revitalized and walkable and creating mini parks throughout, will provide a pleasant, memorable experience. These days, there are websites that grade a city as cycling friendly as well as walkable for would-be tourists. Perhaps a “Name the Lane” contest would generate interest of our downtown area.
Gord Byers
Parksville