Opinion

Re: the letter to the editor, Richardson bike lane an obstacle for Oak Bay commuters.

We want to add our names to the hundreds of residents who have expressed dismay and disbelief that Victoria city council intends to proceed with the modifications to Richardson Street as outlined in recent posts.

The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Victoria tried to convince those present at the March 15 public meeting that times had changed and there was no longer any real uptake for the Metchosin Wilderness Camp. Club leadership said demand was high for their other camps but not for this outdoor adventure camp.

After walking on the Galloping Goose Trail today, we found that we were nearly run over by several cyclists, travelling far too quickly for safety sake and passing far too close to us from behind.

Re: Boys and Girls Club subdividing its Metchosin property.

I am dismayed to learn of Mayor Fred Haynes’ proposal to establish a casino in Saanich.

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.

Which members of Victoria city council will commit to regular bicycle commuting on Richardson Street, every day, for whatever reason or occasion, except when ice, snow or frost? If you want it, then use it.

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.