Warm memories of the Martin Mars
The Martin Mars water bomber is at its final resting place. She has had quite a life.
In 2001-02 I was living on an acreage west of Sooke. The property was situated among an ancient old growth forest near a 250-foot cliff above the ocean — an idyllic setting with a 180 degree view of the Olympic Mountains/Strait of Juan de Fuca.
It was a warm summer day — almost too hot. Wildfire smoke filled the air from a distant wildfire.
I was lying in a hammock between two old-growth trees near the cliff’s edge. It was so peaceful and quiet.
Off in the distance I began to hear a humming sound that got louder and louder.
But because I was so close to the forest, I couldn’t see anything … I could only hear the noise. It was terrifying loud.
And just when my heart was almost beating out of my chest, a gigantic red and white plane appeared above me, just skimming over the tree tops.
It was so close I felt I could have touched it. It was massive and the roar of its engines was deafening.
It was the Mars water bomber.
Following her final journey the last couple of weeks has brought much interest, joy and enthusiasm to so many people, me included.
Our world is not idyllic but her appearance has given us something different to think about.
I look forward to seeing her again under quieter circumstances.
Lia Fraser
Victoria
Alternative approval process is flawed
Re: “More water for fighting fires in Nanoose,” letter, Aug. 23.
The letter makes a valid point regarding the merits of the completion of the latest Nanoose water project via the alternative approval proces. I believe the folks in opposition are justifiably concerned about the following:
• A very profitable property development is only funding 49% of the cost of this infrastructure, which is necessary to provide water to its new subdivisions.
• The Regional District of Nanaimo has a history of significant cost overruns on major projects and this one’s cost estimate is likely low. Taxpayers are weary of the continual pressure of increasing property taxes in this jurisdiction.
• The alternative approval process is a back-door way for bureaucrats to avoid assent voting (a referendum) to get their funding and sets a precedent for avoiding public consent in funding their future project wish list.
This AAP initiative by the regional district will not pass the sniff test.
Dave Jamieson
Nanoose
Improve downtown to keep businesses
It is indeed a sad day when the Sunday morning paper is full of articles of business closures in Victoria due to crime and theft!
Baggins on Johnson Street has closed, Lululemon on Johnson has relocated due to crime, and now David Screech’s upholstery shop is closing, to name but a few.
Taxpayers and residents of Victoria have come to know a city that offers shops and services that we are proud of and tourists return year after year to visit our beautiful city and unique city.
City leaders need to ask themselves some hard questions and take a good look at their stewardship of local government.
They are failing as leaders and the city is falling into new lows! We need solutions for all citizens, not just those who are unhoused.
Christine G. Miller
Victoria
Keep citizens informed of new developments
Re: “Critical linchpins to local government must be improved,” commentary, Aug. 20.
Further to Stan Bartlett’s excellent commentary I would add to his list of transparency improvements the need for the City of Victoria to add clarity to its Missing Middle Housing Initiative (MMHI).
Applications have been received and some of been approved by staff. However, none have been posted on the city’s Development Tracker portal, nor are public hearings required.
Thus citizens do not have the opportunity to monitor MMHI activity in their area. Given that planning staff are now charged with setting design standards and parking requirements some advance notice would provide opportunities for neighbours to discuss these vital issues with staff and with developers. This would lead to better projects.
If MMHI is to be a success, City Hall needs to ensure that citizens are fully informed in a timely manner.
MMHI applications should be posted on Development Tracker. Please let’s get this right, with as little friction as possible.
To quote Les Leyne, “the enormity of the change will take months more to sink in and the ramifications will persist for years, if not decades.”
Ken Roueche
Victoria
Inheritance tax would help working people
During Michelle Obama’s brilliant speech at the Democratic convention in Chicago she had some great zingers aimed at Donald Trump, such as “Who is going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs” as a response to Trump’s racist rhetoric.
And another spoke of most of us never benefiting “from the affirmative action of generational wealth.”
On this last point, aimed at people like Trump who feel entitled to having been born with a silver spoon in their mouths, wouldn’t it be great for the average working stiff if there was a graduated inheritance tax for at least the very wealthy?
This could help greatly in: funding affordable housing and the jobs to produce such housing; and making groceries, health care and higher education available for all.
Mark Fornataro
Victoria
Those reserve funds could pay for the pool
Re: “With those salary costs, no money for pool,” letter, Aug. 20.
In every business during year-end, one takes into account what one earned (revenue) and what one spent (expenses) and hopefully what one earned exceeded what one had to spend.
In making a point about increases in the University of Victoria’s expenses from 2019 to 2024, the letter did not take into account UVic’s revenue.
UVic’s audited financial statements for the years 2019-2024 shows revenue exceeded expenses for every one of those years.
As an investor, the public would normally assume management was doing a good job since it has met its financial obligations.
However, the letter was correct in asking why UVic couldn’t find the necessary funds to keep the McKinnon Pool open.
UVic has in its possession, despite the generous increases in salaries, tens of millions of dollars in reserve funds from all those years revenues exceeded expenses.
UVic pretending that it doesn’t have the funds to keep the pool open can only be defined as misleading.
Phil Le Good
Cobble Hill
Tougher penalties for speeding
For a driver doing 73 km/h over the posted 50 km/h speed limit and failing a roadside test, is the 90-day suspension, a $483 fine and vehicle impounded for 30 days too lenient a punishment?
That’s only a wrist-slap. They are not only endangering themselves but everyone else on the road. Perhaps a 12-month suspension and $1,000 fine might sink in.
The current penalties aren’t working. Speeders need to be hit where it hurts, and hopefully learn a lesson. 73 km/h over the posted limit?
Diane St Jacques
Saanich
Politicians, public are disconnected
When reading the many letters in these pages I can’t help notice the growing disconnect between our elected government officials and the public when it comes to prioritizing the use our limited health-care resources.
Government seems to place a very high priority on the health and housing issues faced by people living on our streets, many as a result of criminal activities, drug addiction and or mental heath problems.
While some readers appear sympathetic to this cause, many more appear to place a much higher priority on the concerns raised about people who suffer from dementia and requires safe continuing care facilities, people who are unable to find a family doctor, people who have been diagnosed with cancer but are unable to receive treatment in a timely manner or people waiting for diagnostic testing such as MRIs.
If our elected officials continue down this path I believe they do so at their own peril.
Bruce Cline
Victoria
A better name: Bare Mountain
As the public debate continues about urban trees in Saanich, I cannot help but comment on the irony of this discussion as every time I drive through Langford I think the city name should be changed to Bare Mountain.
Nothing but rock and buildings.
A. Allan Pollard
Saanich
What is the value of your head?
When I was summoning courage to buy my first motorcycle in 1975, a popular ad for Bell helmets went like this:
“If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet. If you haven’t, buy a Bell.”
Wonder what their ad copy would say today as an increasing number of bicycle riders break provincial law by riding without any helmet?
Dick Proctor
Victoria
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