Smoky skies and promotion of movie
The wraparound front page on Tuesday’s paper bore an eerie resemblance to the view from our windows as we woke to the choking smoke from Washington wildfires. At first I thought you had somehow managed to predict the day’s news, but then realized that it was a movie promotion.
I am very concerned about the promotion of this movie. It uses very dated information and selected editing to attempt to discredit alternative energy solutions which are among the few tools we have to slow the global heating which is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of forest fires, floods,and other disasters.
At a time when there is growing support for a green and just recovery strategy from the pandemic, we should not be giving credence to propaganda which aids the cause of those who say it is pointless to combat climate change.
Judy Gaylord
Victoria
Has council gone through the looking glass?
Re: “Days after clearing tents, city will again allow camping in Centennial Square,” Sept. 4.
When I read that Victoria council is going to allow camping in Centennial Square right after they evicted them for violence and drug dealing, this came to mind. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.” We’ve officially gone through the looking glass.
Carol Dunsmuir
Victoria
Relocation moves blight to Central Park
Re: “Victoria mayor seeks more policing for parks,” Sept. 2.
It’s mind-boggling that city bylaw officers are taking homeless people evicted from Centennial Square and dumping them in Central Park.
Until recently, this place was an oasis, with a 50-metre pool, an incredibly popular basketball court and playground, tennis, soccer, baseball, you name it. Now it’s suddenly transformed into half park, half urban blight.
What’s more, it’s getting slummier by the day as more homeless drag in endless pallets, tarps, junky furniture and all manner of other debris. This is precisely the same process that turned the courthouse lawn into such a disaster.
Since Mayor Lisa Helps and council have, in all their wisdom, decided to turn our parks into free campgrounds for the homeless, let’s uglify all of them equally, why don’t we?
Louis Guilbault
Victoria
With return to school, expect more virus cases
It seems highly likely that as students return to the classroom this month, there will be an increase of reported COVID-19 cases. Indeed, there are numerous examples of others letting their guard down.
Given that there is no appetite to return to a total lockdown (on economic grounds alone), we are going to have to manage further outbreaks as best we can until a proven vaccine is available.
This assumes that our health service has learned lessons in the past six months and is ready to cope with whatever is thrown at us. Sadly, the death toll will rise, too.
Unsettling times to be sure, but as Dr. Bonnie Henry continues to remind us, we need to be calm, kind and safe. The end might be in sight.
David Collins
Victoria
Is late-night bus service really needed?
I find it interesting that Victoria’s transit system gave notice that effective Sept. 7, late-night bus service on selected routes will end at about 2 a.m.
Given that most bars and restaurants are now required to close by 11 p.m. per instructions from both provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and WorkSafe B.C., how can our transit system justify the expense of running near-empty buses well into the early-morning hours?
It’s time Victoria’s Regional Transit Commission came clean with the taxpayers of this city and provided a detailed cost analysis on the expenses of running these late-night buses, including fuel and man hours, versus how many people are actually taking the bus after midnight, especially during these COVID‑19 times.
They can no longer say that it’s for the university students, given that UVic announced a while ago that most of its programming will be online for the fall term.
I realize that our transit system is suffering like all the other businesses during this difficult time, but this late-night service doesn’t justify the means in my book.
Shirley Waldon
Victoria
Jubilee experience left patient with respect
I recently underwent hours of open-heart valve transplant and multiple bypass surgery at Royal Jubilee Hospital.
Were I a billionaire, I could not have had better treatment, nor such exemplary follow-up and subsequent assistive progressions. The surgical team led by Dr. Lynn Fedoruk showed competency and attention to detail, supported by such calm, skilled and resourceful hospital associates.
Island residents need not worry about undergoing hospitalization and treatment during this otherwise challenging time, characterized by so many mixed messages, inaccurate beliefs or perceptions.
With respect, awe and heartfelt appreciation to the many involved in granting me the gift of another 15-plus years.
Terry Mobberley
Qualicum Beach
Concerned about construction site
Every time I have gone through the Veterans’ Memorial and Latoria roads intersection, I have wondered if I was going to make it through without one of the rock drills or the massive trucks rolling down and flattening my car.
High, rounded rocks, loose soil, three or four rock drills (banging away at the same rock they’re sitting on), plus excavators and massive earth-movers all competing for tight space while perched precariously on the very edges of rock — right above the road. What could possibly go wrong? It was just a matter of time before a rollover happened.
Look on the left side of the site and you will see a pile of rubber-tire “blasting blankets” eager for action.
My heart goes out to the poor people in the apartment across the road. You will no doubt soon be dodging errant rocks in your living rooms if blasting starts.
Steen Rancher
Colwood
Plan for Roundhouse site lacks vision
Re: “Roundhouse plan would bring 1,000 rental units; 26- and 30-storey towers proposed,” Sept. 2.
Are there no creative, insightful engineers or town planners in Victoria? Filling the roundhouse area with big, square blocks of rental units is not welcoming.
A plan using the present-day buildings to create a Granville Island-like destination would be a better option than a ghetto of unattractive block housing. If a cement company can be accommodated smack dab in the centre of Granville Island and not be obtrusive, surely the same can be accomplished here with housing units.
Steve Hoffman
Victoria
Can seniors have free pot too?
The advocacy group SOLID plans to give free pot to opioid users. They claim cannabis helps to improve general health and well-being. We pensioners have lots of aches and pains, and health problems galore. How can we get free cannabis?
Cheera J. Crow
Brentwood Bay
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