Opinion

The NIMBYism, privilege, and blatant xenophobia of the letter writer who blames immigration for the housing crisis in Canada deserves to be checked. As a former resident, I know Oak Bay is a wonderful place to live.

Lament over downtown densification (letters, April 21) ignores the need for affordable housing and environmental security.

As a member of the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association, I am writing to express my disappointment, and my disbelief, concerning the catchment area of the new Luther Court Urgent and Primary Care Centre.

Adjusting the traffic light timing on Sooke Road will not affect the congestion problem. Rerouting school buses and parents away from the main roads while transporting children to and from school will not make a difference either.

There could be broad enough areas for four lanes, or at least three, on Sooke Road.

I was a road and paving foreman for the Department of Highways. I was also an equipment operator.

Re: Sooke councillors eye future pay raises ( Online , April 25)

Regarding the story on the 10 baby squirrels in care at West Shore rehab after falling from a tree during a windstorm: The squirrels are eastern grey, an invasive species.

Oak Bay has long had a tradition of allowing the public to speak on controversial land-use decisions. Remember the Penny Farthing Pub , Carlton House, and the Oak Bay Beach Hotel? I think the present council has failed in that tradition regarding the proposed Quest development on Oak Bay Avenue. The higher density Clive apartments and Bowker condominiums were approved in latter years with public hearings.

The recent News article (“Oak Bay compiles data on First Nations references across the landscape”) suggests the start of much-needed action at council toward advancing reconciliation in Oak Bay. Credit for this is due to individual councillors and others in the community for bringing these initiatives forward.