Letters

What is the difference between humans and Himalayan blackberries? Himalayan blackberries provide food and wildlife habitat, but both behave as invasive species. So, what is the definition of an invasive species?

The current uproar over the inclusion of transgender-affirming educational materials in the K-12 curriculum is a ridiculous debate.

As a past mayoralty candidate, I believe that Langford needs a fresh approach.

I am writing in regard to Stew Young’s response to your recent question to Langford candidates, “What can council do to improve the lives of residents?”

Proponents of more development in North Saanich often cite travel statistics to support their arguments, claiming that because so many thousands of workers travel every day by car to North Saanich, the district must provide workforce housing.

Despite the potholes in our streets, cracked sidewalks, and flooding basements; a $650 million estimate for infrastructure renewal; and the chief engineer’s report stating, “A growing percentage of the district’s infrastructure is failing at an increasing rate,” only three prospective candidates consider addressing our “crumbling infrastructure” a priority, according to the Sept. 27 Oak Bay News.

We were shocked on Sept. 28 to see the devastation of planetrees along Shelbourne Street. These trees were planted on Oct. 2, 1921 to honour and remember the men and women who died in the First World War. Then Lt.-Gov. Nichol proclaimed “He who plants a tree plants a hope.”

Oak Bay housing prices have always been less affordable than most other communities in Canada. This is consistent with other top-ranked communities that are desirable places to live. Most of Oak Bay’s prospective candidates in the Oct. 15 civic election believe, despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary, that densifying Oak Bay’s single-family neighbourhoods with more supply is going to make our housing more affordable.

The construction between Manzer and Connie Roads in Sooke continues to be a navigation exercise, requiring the utmost attention of drivers at all times. Between the construction, flaggers, and continuously changing obstacle course, we must be acutely aware that the safety of the workers is the top priority.

As recent tourists to Victoria via Seattle’s Clipper from Sept. 19-21, the stunning hanging flower baskets added dazzling beauty to your waterfront harbour and town.