Reading the May 28 edition of the Saanich News made a lot of things clear. Jenus Friesen's letter nailed it on the head and was so clear on what our actual issues are and how Saanich has lost their way forward.
Also, the survey on page A11 said 93 per cent of people who participated were homeowners, and I think that is a clear message that what is happening is impacting the long-term homeowners more than the transient and rental community. These changes are affecting us long-term homeowners who may be second, third or even longer generational residents of Saanich. We love our home community, but the changes and rapid growth of concrete pathways/obstructions and high rises isn’t what we want our tax dollars going to, and we certainly don’t want that view. The roads have become extremely dangerous as they become more and more narrow with obstructions on the sides, crosswalks sticking out, making it impossible to turn, no turn lanes or turn lights, curbs to maneuver and rarely used bike lanes.
Walking is no safer; I’ve now assisted two elderly and a visually impaired individual who have slipped and tripped on those yellow bump strips at crosswalks. Crossing buttons are located nowhere near the actual crosswalk, making it a struggle for the mobility-challenged.
Watching large lots be subdivided and seeing less and less nice family residential areas is just sad. My kid can’t go to the closest bus stop half the time, as the homeless are shooting up there. Our quiet street now has noisy people with multiple shopping carts and garbage on them, and property theft is up.
Saanich needs to do better for the long-term, taxpaying residents.
L Dixon
Saanich
