We were strolling the upper causeway on the weekend and were drawn to the sound of beautiful music when it stopped abruptly. We saw a bylaw officer talking to the high-school age musical trio.
The kids looked deflated as they explained politely to the officer that even though they had their newly expired permits showing, they could not renew them until Monday when the office was open. Several tourists had stopped to listen and watch them play. They then showed concern and commented negatively, shaking their heads in disbelief as the kids were told to leave until they had new permits.
Meanwhile, a few blocks away, the debacle of the tent city is thriving with crime, drug abuse and destruction of public property where residents show complete disregard to the neighbourhood. It has been allowed to continue and be enabled.
Something is gravely wrong with the leadership and management of this city. When three young boys are asked to move along for playing beautiful music and tent-city residents dig in further, I too feel deflated and shake my head. I wonder if Victoria will ever recover.
Gillian Ley
Victoria
