Museum CEO showed leadership
I met Jack Lohman shortly after he arrived at the Royal B.C. Museum. At the time, I was chair of First Peoples Cultural Council.
We met to talk about our work in Indigenous languages, arts, culture and heritage and his plans for the museum. During the conversation, he mentioned an exhibit on languages in South America; by the end of our meeting we had sketched out plans on the Living Languages of B.C.
The development involved meetings with Indigenous leaders, the First Peoples Cultural Council board and community advisers and the language champions to get their ideas and direction for the exhibit.
It meant working with museum staff and FPCC staff. It meant describing one world to the other world, lots of talk and explaining to come to shared ideas. Working through frustrations and misunderstandings.
It took the masterful leadership by both Lohman and Tracey Herbert at FPCC to make the Living Languages a success; it was the first of its kind in North America.
This as an example; there are many other initiatives that Lohman led to create change. It does take leadership to make the changes and shifts in attitude and practice to counter the racism, sexism and colonial attitudes established in all our institutions.
Making it public, acknowledging it, taking action are key; supporting each other as we learn new ways of interacting and being together and helping each other right the wrongs and tell our stories to one another creates shared history.
Dr. Lorna Wánosts’a7 Williams
Líl’watul
Professor emerita, University of Victoria
Chair First Peoples Cultural Foundation
Elder/member MACIW
Victoria
Maybe council could ask for input
I am unsure if there was any public consultation surrounding this idea of a “car-free Clover Point,” but certainly based on the outcry and letters being submitted, I can’t help but think the responses have been well thought out and a better alternative than the City of Victoria proposed in the first place.
Maybe all one has to do is ask for input, before “knocking it out of the park.”
Bob Ianson
Victoria
They don’t want to share Clover Point
Once again the city pushed through an elitist agenda with what would seem lack of consideration for its constituents.
The evil automobile again vilified and scapegoated by the few who do not yet have use for such a thing.
Clearly the young, spry social-justice warriors have no intention of sharing Clover Point with anyone who might need a little help or just plain doesn’t want to freeze to death.
Saying cars will increase if the current configuration is kept is political pandering. Cars will increase in accordance to population, not some magically phenomena, not to mention most will be electric in the coming years.
If the preponderance of letters is any indication, it would seem once again the council has dreamt up yet another way for Victorians to smack their collective heads yet again asking: “Why can’t they just leave it alone?”
What’s wrong with older or disabled people enjoying what those without any issues enjoy also? Cars do not destroy parks; this is more unproven political rhetoric. Cars have in fact made parks accessible for the many. I have yet to see anyone four-wheeling their vehicles through city parks.
Elitists are becoming the new privileged. Learn to share and stop spouting fear-mongering nonsense to shame people into believing your opinions, yes opinions, are facts. The city’s parks and public spaces are for the many, not the few who can access them easily.
Tim Murphy
Esquimalt
Redesign must include vehicle access
For me, the Clover Point redesign starts and stops at the question of access for seniors and the mobility-challenged.
Our society rightly goes to great effort and expense to accommodate everyone, easing access to public buildings and spaces; a sign of major social progress.
Cutting off vehicle access will lead to falls, as people make every effort to enjoy the best waterfront lookout spot in the city.
Equally sad, some folks will just cross it off their list of favourite spots. I’m left to wonder, over the years, how many palliative patients have made Clover Point their last outing?
A redesign is a good idea, but it should include public vehicle access in some capacity.
Steve Ireland
Denman Island
Pedestrian priority in wrong places
I agree with many letter-writers that the plans for Clover Point will effectively exclude anyone not living within walking or cycling distance.
This includes the elderly and the disabled. Also, given its windswept location, the park would be largely deserted in the winter.
In contrast, Victoria’s “progressive” city council gives priority to cars rather than pedestrians in downtown Victoria.
Liveable cities have pedestrian precincts downtown that make it pleasant to walk around, shop, and perhaps have a meal or drink outside. Anyone who has wandered around a typical European city or town will appreciate the benefits of pedestrian precincts.
In addition, more pedestrian traffic tends to reduce crime. The lower end of Government Street would be the obvious place to start. It is mostly one-way, the vehicle traffic is light, and it is close to the Inner Harbour for tourists arriving on the Coho and Clipper.
Delivery issues are often used as an excuse for not closing off roads to vehicles, but there are ways around this, such as permitting deliveries early in the day.
Colin Hoskins
Saanich
Many options exist at Clover Point
Having read so many letters that describe Clover Point in such negative terms, I am left to wonder if these letter-writers actually go to Clover Point.
Yes, it can be wildly windy. Yes, it can be cold. And it is always beautiful. If this wonderful prospect of land became available to the public for the first time today, would anyone say “let’s use it as a parking lot”?
I doubt it. There are many creative ways to incorporate the needs of those with mobility issues, the needs of those who desire open spaces and safe places to enjoy the point.
Let’s encourage our city council to incorporate them for the enjoyment of everyone.
Linda Carlson
James Bay
Leave Clover Point accessible to all
I was born in Victoria, lived here all my life. The recent article advising that Clover Point could be closed to car traffic in order that bicyclists and walkers can have a park was devastating to me.
So many people enjoy parking to take in the beautiful view off Clover Point in sunny weather or a windy, stormy day.
I have many times taken my young grandchildren there to enjoy the view of a super moon, the waves rolling in or watching the wind surfers or people with kites.
I would not be able to manage three youngsters by myself if I had to park a distance away on Dallas Road. Not everyone enjoys or is able to ride a bike.
Handicapped people are not always easily taken out of vehicles to be pushed down to the point, if their caregiver is physically able to do that, to sit and enjoy our ocean view.
There are numerous parks and beaches in Greater Victoria for all to enjoy. Please don’t block our access to Clover Point, a place where young and old, physically able and handicapped can enjoy from their vehicles.
This beautiful ocean view should be accessible to all. If a person desires to go for a bike ride there are many bike lanes to accommodate this activity.
Joan Atherton
Saanich
Unsubtle ageism in a headline
Re: “80-year-old struck and killed in a crosswalk in Port Alberni,” Feb. 11.
I am sorry to hear about this gentleman’s accident. But the headline troubles me.
Had he been 79 or 47, would his age have been in the headline? I think not. Eighty is a nice round number and a demarcation of something, I suppose.
But it should never be a label, as the headline implies. Was he walking slowly, slightly bent, a bit confused? That clearly is the implication. And it is insulting.
It reminds me too of the humiliating experience forced upon me by ICBC to fork over $240 to my physician to be told that I am in excellent physical condition and that in two years I can pay $240 to be told the same thing, I hope.
I don’t mind being 80 and part of a lucky group of people who have done their bit to make a happier, healthier, more empathetic society.
I am vigorous, fit, aware and still contributing. I will cross the Oak Bay crosswalks head held high. So, please, leave me and my peers out of the “80-year-old” headline. Ageism is unbecoming.
Peter McNab
Victoria
A regional police force is long overdue
Re: “Why is our regional crime rate so high?” editorial, Feb. 6.
The editorial nailed it in convincing form, but for those whose political futures are based in part on continuing municipal dysfunction in the Capital Regional District and the Lower Mainland.
I guess public safety and earthquake preparedness are not issues with which the provincial government should concern itself.
In saying “any change to policing and law enforcement in the capital region is a decision for the municipalities involved and their elected officials,” Mike Farnworth sounded more like Marie Antoinette advising Parisians to “to eat cake” than the Minister of Public Safety.
As a resident and taxpayer in the region I am shocked and offended by his attitude. All of my fellow residents should be as well.
John Treleaven, chair
Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria
Sidney
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