Unite, pet owners, to keep track of councils
Re: “Dogs deserve a bit of freedom,” letter, July 8.
A brilliant idea here. Allow off-leash dogs in the parks on specific days such as odd-numbered days.
That would allow the small percentage of people who are bothered by dogs a chance to use the park without fear while also allowing the dog owners a chance to exercise themselves and their dog in the park as well.
I think pet owners need to organize, maybe even hire a paid lobbyist to keep track of what the different councils in Greater Victoria are planning so that they hear about things while they still have a chance to offer their own input rather than the council just hearing from the organizations pushing for restrictions.
Barry Leslie
Victoria
Traffic puzzle during the Pride Parade
Since retiring some eight years ago, and have had the absolute pleasure of living and running businesses in Victoria since 1989, I am very happy to drive to the James Bay Inn every morning for an 11 a.m. opening.
Although obviously aware of the Pride Parade on Sunday morning, it still should not have been such a complete and utter, excuse the pun, “drag” of such a cock-up of the way the traffic was directed.
I drove down Wharf Street, got almost to Government, then was directed to turn left on Broughton, then turn left (north) on Government.
OK, then take a right — no signage that the road was closed — until Broad Street, then forced to U-turn back to Government to then turn right, again north.
I told a police motorcycle officer that it was “a complete mess” and he said “YIP”.
What a lack of planning and forethought given ahead of this once-in-a-year event.
Sorry, this was not a “gay old time” for those of us attempting to negotiate a route through this diabolical mess.
Total stagnant pollution while in a traffic nightmare.
Malcolm Palmer
Victoria
Center or centre? Well, both are correct
Regarding changes in English spelling, the primary purpose of a language is to communicate.
Successful languages grow and evolve to accommodate societal needs. This vibrancy and flexibility has contributed to English becoming one of the most widely spoken in this world.
So, in modern North American English, we periodically update phrases, word meanings, and, even spelling to more accurately reflect common usage.
For example, whether you spell the word “center” or “centre” is not really important — as both are equally correct (both generally accepted by respected institutional authorities).
It’s an unfortunate arrogance to insist that only the British Empire tradition is right and everyone else must be wrong.
Mike Mitchell
Colwood
Employment and climate change
A recent letter insisted that Canada should immediately shut down all energy infrastructure work in order to fight climate change. I can only assume that the writer has a well-paying job or nice pension because the immediate consequences of such actions would be to drive tens of thousands of families into the unemployment line.
These energy projects provide thousands of well-paying jobs across the country. It might also be important to note that many Indigenous groups in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan have a huge stake in these projects.
I agree that climate change is an immediate and existential danger, but then so is paying the rent, buying groceries and all the other things that employed people do to support the economy.
We need long-term solutions and some thought as to how these folks will pay their bills. We can’t all be uber drivers.
Len Dafoe
Nanoose Bay
No wheels, please, on pedestrian walkways
With the advent of good weather, we are particularly fortunate to have the Songhees walkway along the outer harbour.
The walkway from the Delta to Spinnakers is used heavily by seniors, young families, and people with leashed dogs. It is used by residents, visitors and tourists.
Despite the signage indicating this is a pedestrian-only walkway, wheeled traffic has increased significantly in recent months. This includes bicycles, scooters, and skateboards of both the electric and non-electric variety.
Rather than having a relaxing walk along the harbour, people must keep a wary eye out to dodge these wheeled conveyances. If one has the gumption to ask people to dismount, you are usually either ignored or given an insulting response.
Who or what agency is responsible for monitoring the use of the walkway? The occasional appearance of a police or bylaw officer would thin out the wheeled traffic and make it safer and more enjoyable for pedestrians.
Michael Shepherd
Victoria
Mariachi concert and carillon don’t mix
Thanks to advance notice in the Times Colonist, I enjoyed a mariachi concert at the Royal British Columbia Museum.
But, I, and the musicians, were startled to hear the not-quite-in-tune chimes of the carillon burst through the very loud mariachi music at 2 p.m.
I know it is automated but surely someone can pull the plug when there is a competing musical event.
Anne Moon
Victoria
Let’s support everyone going without alcohol
Shellie Gudgeon’s July 4 commentary, offering 20 thoughts from 20 years of sobriety, is too worthy to be passed over without any response.
Every one of her 20 thoughts is so valuable and can be meaningful to any of us, whether or not we are living with an alcohol related problem.
We can think of numerous incidents in which public disturbance, violence of many kinds, which most often leads to serious injury of innocent people, and even death, have been caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
But then we may go on to think that that would never happen in our family. In fact, if we look closely at so many families … our own, our neighbour’s, our friend’s, a co-worker’s and so on, we will most likely have to acknowledge that alcohol is a problem.
I can look at my own family and my extended family and acknowledge that alcohol has caused some serious relationship and health concerns. This is also the case when thinking of several friends and other family groups I know.
It’s so prevalent, but we most often ignore it or put up with it. This is wrong.
The least we can do as a start is, as Gudgeon writes, allow those who are choosing not to drink to do so with no judgment of any kind.
Respect and support are the gifts we can offer. Let’s not just ignore this pervasive problem but rather learn to be comfortable speaking about it and supporting those brave souls who are learning to live full and healthy lives without alcohol.
It’s not easy. Try going for a day or two or three without your own happy hour glass of wine. Not easy at all to even contemplate, is it? Let’s not be silent on this topic.
Let’s support all those who are dealing with alcohol-related problems in every way we can.
Lois Narine
Victoria
We elect councillors to make decisions for us
Re: “Elected officials should represent the majority,” letter, July 8.
I’m sorry to have to break it to everyone who is upset about the Saanich council’s recent decision on parks, but you elected these people to make decisions for you.
They are not under an obligation to figure out what the majority of people want, an impossible task. They have the obligation to make what they consider to be the wisest decisions for your municipality
Bobbi Sheridan
Colwood
Want to have good soil? It’s not hard to do
Start by getting a garbage can with a lid and wheels. Collect all your vegetable clippings in the garbage can.
In the fall, find an area where you can have a garden bed. Make it three feet wide by eight or nine feet long. Dig down about a foot and a half. Optional: Put a frame around and line it with plastic.
Throw the waste from the garbage can into the pit. Put grass clippings on top.
In a couple of years you will have beautiful soil.
Judy Whytock
Victoria
Explain why grocery prices are so high
While shopping for groceries in Parksville, it became apparent that food prices are way out of whack.
Has anyone ever been assigned to follow the food, from farmer to retail store? There is such a disconnect through the supply chain. I would suggest major price gouging and pricing is accomplished like the drug barons.
Some wholesalers must be charging a fee simply for redirecting product they never handle or even see. How can a mini watermelon that is bought from the farmer for 23 cents in Mexico arrive at the retail store and being sold at $13?
How is that even possible without someone being charged for price gouging?
Robert Tritschler
Parksville
Special thanks to those who create beauty spots
I drive at least once a week across the Johnson Street Bridge to pick up my grandkids.
Every time I make that trip, I silently thank the gardeners who have made the most beautiful plantings of grasses and purple flowers on the medians. I don’t know who these individuals are, but I would like to express my deep gratitude for that beauty spot in our city.
Marne St Claire
Victoria
Adam and Eve came first, for a very good reason
God created Adam and Eve first so they could get the cave ready for the dog. Food, water and a soft bed.
Gerald Marantz
Parksville
Thoughtfulness and respect are needed
Dogs are indeed welcome in Royal Parks in London, but just like here, there are areas of ecological sensitivity where dogs must be on leash.
In addition, like here, the dogs that are off leash must be under control of the owner and owners must clean up after them.
It is against the law to not do so. Therefore, the rules surrounding dogs in parks are no different to here.
In this angry debate something is missing. People keep going on about protecting “off leash” spaces, but the rule is actually “off leash and under control” and that is where the problem lies.
I have a dog who is nervous of big dogs as he has been attacked and dislikes unknown dogs rushing up to him with no “getting to know you” etiquette first.
All us dog owners should be more thoughtful of others, and we should teach our dogs to be also. If you do not have good recall for your dog, and do not yet know what good dog etiquette is, please take your dog to training.
Also, when out in the parks, please ask a dog owner before allowing your dog to impose himself on their dog unasked.
Let us engage in thoughtfulness and respect, not just between the dogs in the park but also to each other.
Then this debate will not be necessary.
Anna Bowness-Park
Esquimalt
Mocking people’s loss is insensitive
Re: “Leashes on pet animals are not a reason for grief,” July 7.
Grief is the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. To assert that dog owners could not be grieving the loss of being able to walk their dogs off-leash is insensitive.
Many people’s routine is to take their faithful friend on a daily walk. Saanich’s People, Pets and Parks strategy places many restrictions on this benign activity. Certainly cyclists barrelling down trails designed for walking poses more danger and damage.
I have witnessed three park rangers engage a senior with a walker about his off-leash dog. Why there were three, I can’t explain. How ridiculous.
Something else was lost, democracy, when Saanich councillors ignored the 9,000 petitioners who opposed this needless policy. I just hope those that signed the petition and others who think likewise will vote to replace these councillors with individuals that will represent them.
Wayne Cox
Saanichton
Bring back UVic area so dogs can run free
A major contributor to the Saanich People, Pets and Parks controversy is the fact that, when the COVID-19 lockdowns were first introduced, the University of Victoria took the opportunity to close its open-ground area at the corner of Cedar Hill Cross Road and Crestview Road, where dogs and their owners used to gather every day.
I’m not a dog owner, but the sheer joy of the dogs as they bounded about and played with each other unleashed in the open and natural terrain was apparent and heartwarming to any observer.
Since very few people apart from dog-walkers actually used it, the dogs bothered no one. COVID-19 restrictions have long ended, yet the area remains resolutely closed. Reopening it would do much to ease the pressure to use other, less suitable areas for unleashed dogs.
Jonathan Stoppi
Saanich
Deciding what’s a lesser being
Re: “Leashes on pet animals are not a reason for grief,” July 7.
I don’t understand this sentence: “We seem to forget that although dogs are indeed loved pets and companions for many, they are animals, not human beings.”
Everything that is alive is a being. Be it animals, plants or humans. What gives someone the right to judge that a dog, for instance, is a lesser being?
Stefan Nowak
East Sooke
Let’s help everyone get a slice of housing
We have no problem rationing toilet paper and medication during a supply crunch. Isn’t it about time we apply the same logic to housing? As someone pointed out — housing should be like birthday cake. Nobody gets a second piece until everyone has had a slice.
Matt McGeachie
Victoria
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