Letters

As a member of Oak Bay’s Monterey Recreation Centre, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Monterey coordinator, Lesley Cobus, and her staff for the exemplary, flexible manner in which they have helped to maintain the sanity of the Table Tennis Club during COVID while adhering strictly to the guidelines issued by the B.C. Ministry of Health.

Sidney residents have consistently emphasized one overriding value above all else: Sidney’s charm and character as a seaside town must not be lost. Residents don’t expect Sidney to be frozen in time; they’re open to change and growth. But controlled growth, managed growth, not unplanned and unmanaged over-densification.

Prime Minister Trudeau does not seem to recognize the new world that is now upon us given the tragedy of Ukraine, and MP Elizabeth May suggests we drive a little slower and not on Sunday and all will be well. Talk about being out of touch.

I completely agree and support Coun. Scott Garnett in his genuine concern for trees in our community.

I would like to commend Coun. Scott Garnett for his attempt to save the trees in Sidney. Sadly, his voice may not be heard despite his very valid arguments on their behalf.

It became apparent watching council’s deliberations of March 14 regarding the 2326 Oak Bay Ave. (Quest) land-use application that our process is deeply flawed and unwieldy. This is true for staff, council, community, and likely developers. A checklist and a review of Oak Bay’s governance practices for land use applications are in order.

Re: Transformed Ernhill Park reopens. It’s wonderful that an older park in a neighbourhood with fewer amenities has finally received some upgrades to the play equipment as well as some environmental attention.

My wife and I are in our 80s and both use canes and are visiting Victoria for a month from where we live in Halifax. On March 20 we went for dim sum at a restaurant in Chinatown. There was a lineup to get in and it went up two flights of stairs.

For god’s sake, no, for our sake, leave mature trees alone. Take Coun. Scott Garnett’s (March 17) concerns seriously.

I fully support Victoria’s voluntary reconciliation proposal. Why not mandate all donations go to those First Nations’ organizations that are a registered charity? This would allow donors to get a receipt for tax purposes. Under these conditions perhaps other municipalities will consider the same route.