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View Royal should enforce zoning bylaw

Re: “Choices shelter to stay open till March,” July 7.

Re: “Choices shelter to stay open till March,” July 7.

I am a View Royal resident and unfortunately appear to have become a lone wolf opposing the extension of the shelter at the former youth detention centre beyond the initial notion of it being a temporary fix. The government has a responsibility for the homeless situation and that remedy must occur immediately.

When this idea came to light, the residents were not consulted and the Town of View Royal said they had no choice as the property is owned by the province. What has now been made public is the town saying it won’t consider another extension until the province submits a proper zoning application.

Are you kidding me? Mayor David Screech has publicly said this facility is not operating properly within the zoning bylaw. Try cutting down a tree without a permit, or leaving an extra bag of garbage out for collection, or parking without a resident permit. The town bylaw enforcement staff takes action and cuts you no slack.

As they should, since they need to impartially enforce the bylaws. But why not in this situation?

Len Meilleur

View Royal