While Victoria’s mayor and council have opted for “parking ambassadors” who will be on the city payroll, the city of London, Ont., took a different tack. Its case history appears on the Commissionaires’ website.
“In 1988, London’s municipal bylaw enforcement and parking department was challenged to reduce the escalating costs associated with its operation — human resources, departmental vehicle maintenance, training, etc … They were asked to increase revenue from the city’s parking lots and meters and accommodate a growing population without compromising service.” The work was ultimately contracted to the Commissionaires.
A London city official had nothing but praise for the Commissionaires: “I’ve found that Commissionaires are highly professional and exceed my expectations. … Commissionaires have high standards, being ex-military. They are meticulous, professional and thorough.”
In the Times Colonist on May 10, columnists Marc and Craig Kielburger quoted veterans’ advocate Sean Bruyea, who served in the Gulf War, as saying: “Canadian goodwill towards our soldiers and veterans is overwhelming. Canadian action is underwhelming.” He contrasts American employers who hire veterans first with Canadian employers who show no such appreciation for military service.
It is extremely disheartening when the major municipality in the Capital Regional District, which benefits hugely from a military presence and has done so for 150 years, is so lacking in support for the Commissionaires, an organization that offers veterans the opportunity for continued employment.
Rosalee van Stelten
Victoria
