Letters

Safe, affordable housing is at the base of so much of what contributes to a functioning society. Unfortunately, in this beautiful place, our cost of living has reached a point that can be near impossible to maintain.

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of the West Coast of British Columbia. Since 1980 we have lived and worked here on Vancouver Island. We so enjoy our natural habitats which include forests and oceans, reserves and parks.

Jim Rondeau’s letter of May 20 totally missed the essence of Central Saanich residents’ concerns. In Victoria, BC Housing has been randomly placing people in supportive housing without regard to their behaviours and unmanageable violence.

I had a nasty Grade 1 teacher. At the beginning of my Grade 1 year, I lived in a little French town with the unlikely name of Somerset, Man. If I broke my crayon, I would be slapped by the nun. If I put up my hand and did not hold it completely still, like Queen Elizabeth, ie: if I moved my fingers in excitement, I would get slapped.

After hearing of multiple ducking rescue operations from street grates in Oak Bay, Sannich, and Victoria, I have a suggestion. No studies needed. In baby duck season and around noted areas, lift grates and set a sturdy, wide mesh across the hole, replace the grate, trim edges, and use one zap strap to secure mesh to the grate and remove all after hatching season.

Regarding Prosser Road housing in Central Saanich: there have been several studies comparing “Housing First” to “Treatment as Usual” in the support and treatment of people with mental health and addiction issues.

The recent pickleball kerfuffle has brought much-needed attention to the comparative state of our two major parks: Windsor Park in the south and Carnarvon Park in the north.

Many of us have spent these many pandemic months venturing out on foot or bike in our neighbourhoods. Walking and riding has been a great way to get exercise, see our neighbours (at a safe distance), get fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty of our community.

How much say do kids and teens really have? Not much. Not when it comes to our futures, and the future of the world we’re living in. We protest, but time and time again politicians turn a blind eye. But what if they had to listen? What if our votes joined the ones of adults? If the Canadian voting age was lowered to 16, that could happen.

The letter calling for abolishing 55-plus age-restricted buildings appears to be reverse discrimination at its finest. I am astonished that someone could feel so harshly toward seniors.