Opinion

I read with interest the two-part series in the Oak Bay News on densifying Oak Bay. Although the articles give an impression of neutrality, they are far from it. They are full of the tried-and-true development lobbying mantra that have been used to promote over-densification objectives throughout B.C. They paint Oak Bay as old fashioned and anti-change. “Character” is framed as an unsavory, unpleasant word.

Recent news that councillors in Central Saanich are considering allowing horse carriage tours in their municipality was met with disapproval by animal advocates from the Victoria Horse Alliance who called the expansion a desperate attempt by the carriage industry to survive in a world where animal tourism is on its way out.

We who are so fortunate to call Sooke our home have a responsibility to defend and champion this unique locale. You and I live in a place where, on a clear night, one can still see a sky full of stars.

Governments around the world have taken on mountains of debt during the pandemic to support the economy

John Horgan promised – if elected – to protect old-growth forest in B.C. Understandable, since 90 per cent of British Columbians want B.C.’s oldest forests protected. Now the premier, and the MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca, Horgan’s NDP government has allowed the logging of these old forest stands to continue; some say at an even faster rate than under the Liberals. Shameful, given how little is left of these world-renowned ecosystems (and carbon sinks).

Each year as Easter approaches many children yearn to own a pet rabbit. Before any parent considers adopting a bunny, let me give you some advice. Rabbits are not like cats and dogs. They are fragile creatures, and if held improperly or dropped they will suffer serious injury.

Last summer we travelled from Victoria to Port Renfrew with our daughters so that they could experience the majesty and beauty of Avatar Grove, the ancient forest right here on the Island.

It is always a gamble to donate to a charity. Donors want assurance their money is going to needed services. The only way for a charity to guarantee this is transparency.

The statement in a recent editorial, that Saskatchewan is on year-round standard time, is true but not absolutely true. An international agreement in 1884 designated longitude 105° W as the boundary separating the Mountain and Central time zones.

Reducing the speed limit on residential roads to 30 km/h is an excellent idea. We have to do something to stop all of the crashes, fatalities, injuries and damages.