No one group more guilty of infractions
While navigating the streets of Victoria I have seen illegal and potentially dangerous behaviour on the part of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, pretty much in equal measure. We could all benefit from examining our own compliance with traffic rules, no matter how we travel, so that we can share the roads without harm.
In my view, no one group is more guilty of infractions than another and none is more entitled than another. Us/them rhetoric seems unhelpful. Anyone wanting to convey a message to a specific advocacy group might consider reaching out to them directly in order to offer constructive suggestions and a meaningful dialogue on how we can all travel our city peacefully, respectfully and safely.
After all, that’s what everyone wants, is it not?
Ann Wilson
Victoria
Annual salary almost pays for interchange
I was reading all the money spent to construct the McKenzie interchange; $96 million seems like a lot of money — until you Google Canada’s highest-paid CEOs (2016).
For 2016, the head of a pharmaceutical company was the top earner among Canadian CEOs — more than $83 million in total compensation for that one year.
That’s one year.
Jean Jenkins
Victoria
A bridge across Saanich Inlet
Victoria and Vancouver Island definitely need an alternative to the Malahat. Why has there been no discussion about the construction of a bridge across Saanich Inlet that could provide a secondary (or prime) route into Victoria.
Costs of that would not be much greater than the moneys that would be spent on the detours suggested.
I suggest a bridge should be built from south of Bamberton over to Willis Point or to McKenzie Bight that could provide a direct secondary route to West Saanich Road and the Pat Bay Highway.
Peter Orme
Saanich
Build a floating bridge for Malahat traffic
Re: “Don’t look for speeders at this spot,” letter, Dec. 20.
It seems the B.C. government planned a ticketing blitz right at the time the report was released forgoing any action on a Malahat emergency detour solution. The media attention has abruptly redirected the blame from physical highway faults to driving infractions at a pivotal moment
As a Dec. 20 letter mentioned, ticketing on Tunnel Hill is not an accurate measure of Malahat driving habits. Yes, speeding causes accidents, but a great majority of Malahat shutdowns are due to weather, medical distress, poor merging, mechanical faults, and more.
People who don’t ordinarily speed will breach the speed limit to pass on Tunnel Hill since the lane doesn’t provide enough space to make it useful.
I am a firm believer that a floating bridge from Patricia Bay to the Mill Bay ferry terminal will address all major issues.
Congestion would be cut in half, and it provides a full-time solution to a full-scale shutdown. This can be considered a long-term traffic solution as our population is dramatically increasing. The infrastructure at McTavish is already set up to accommodate the increased traffic in that area.
Dorian Redden
Cobble Hill
Excellent medical care in visit to Jubilee
I recently experienced a hospital visit, believing I was having a heart attack. Within six hours, I had an EKG, X-ray, and blood taken twice. Both intern and doctor consulted with me in a timely manner and explained my test results.
Ten days later, I had a stress test for my heart. Again, the medical technician explained the procedure thoroughly and I consulted with the doctor afterwards for a complete explanation. All in 45 minutes.
The doctors, nurses and medical technicians at the Royal Jubilee Hospital are to be commended and deeply thanked for doing their jobs so well despite the challenges they face, with the shortage of family doctors in Victoria.
Just wanted to say “thank you” for providing such excellent care. Merry Christmas and the season’s best to you all.
David J. Anderson
Victoria
Many Andrews are calling it quits
Is it the year of “Andrews”?
First to step down, Weaver. Now Scheer. Next Wilkinson?
And then of course there is the prince.
Graeme Roberts
Brentwood Bay
Pedestrians face danger near bridge
After watching yet another near collision at the Johnson and Wharf intersection, it may be time for a reminder of how this crosswalk works.
The southbound exit lane to Wharf Street from the bridge is controlled independently to protect the bike lanes. When permitted, a green arrow lights indicating to the cars that the bikes have been stopped and they can proceed.
The lane’s crosswalk has its own lights, independent from those for Wharf, and indicate to pedestrians not to cross. It does not make clear, though, that the cars now have the right of way.
I walk here often and have pointed out the new lights and explained the reasons for them to many walkers who seem confused.
The city has done a poor job educating pedestrians about this new configuration which, while more common elsewhere, may be unique in Victoria. A dangerous situation is the result.
Thomas Ambler
Esquimalt
Visitors aren’t here to see concrete edifices
Re: “Older house better than a parking entrance,” letter, Dec. 15
A huge thank you to the letter-writer for his respectful letter referring to removal of heritage homes in James Bay. I hope his thoughts will eventually embrace all of Greater Victoria.
Visitors to the city treasure the charm and history. In turn, we as Canadians visit Europe and Great Britain often for the same experience. It is a rare tourist who travels to see concrete edifices and pavement.
Gail Brighton
Nanoose Bay
Identify the hacked computer systems
Life Labs has reacted quickly to let users know that their personal medical data has been breached. This hacking of data is only one of too many reported. What is never included in the public reports of these data hacks is the kind of computer system that was hacked. It may turn out that by providing these details publicly, organizations can better protect themselves by switching to more-secure operating systems.
Rey Carr
Victoria
Leaf blowers being used in foolish ways
Re: “My leaf blower primed and ready for action,” letter, Dec. 17.
While I don’t necessarily see leaf blowers being banned outright, I do see a lot of foolish use of them. You mention that people ought to be using them to unclog drains and streets. Quite frequently, I witness people (in Oak Bay, Victoria, Saanich and beyond) blowing all of the leaves off of their yard and/or drive, and straight onto the road — simply to clog drains and roadways.
I personally don’t see them as completely necessary, but have worked jobs where I have found them handy. People can definitely be more responsible with their use.
Arek Hautaluoma
Oak Bay
The worries of an older generation
Re: “Our educators need mental-health literacy more than ever,” Geoff Johnson column, Dec. 15.
Geoff Johnson’s column says that compared to kids today who have to deal with social media, “growing up as my generation did in the late 50’s and early 60’s was a relatively straightforward process.”
In the late 1950’s, I knew kids who had a bomb shelter in their backyard, and, “When the bombs start to fall will you let me in?” was said as a joke, but a joke with an edge.We had drills about what to do when the sirens went off.
A few years later, I had friends in the United States who worried about going to Vietnam, and some who did go, and two who didn’t come back.
Social media? Gee, how tough.
Ian Cameron
Brentwood Bay
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