Opinion

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.

Many factors allowing former journeyman to shine in starter’s role

I always thought only those who were in a war had PTSD. I was wrong.

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.

In North Saanich, we are faced with the usual, but inappropriate, dilemma: housing and development vs. rural values. Why is it inappropriate?

A lot of people are struggling these days, after coming out of a multi-year pandemic only to be hit by a cost-of-living crisis.