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Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Isolation fears follow road closure talks
David Thompson is putting himself in the kids’ seats to finish the paperwork for creating the Making Opportunities Rise in Education Foundation, in his North Saanich home. Christine van Reeuwyk/News staff
Central Saanich residents organize meeting against blocked highway access Christine van Reeuwyk News staff
Residents are gathering steam to oppose a proposed change to the intersection of Island View Road and Highway 17. For some, like the Michell family that runs its farming business on land surrounding Highway 17, a News Review article was the first they heard of the possibility of Island View intersection losing its lights. “It was like a nightmare,” said Vern Michell. The concern stemmed from a report to Central Saanich council over three considerations the Ministry of Transportation is considering for alterations to the highway to provide access to a proposed development at Jus Kun ■ Previously: Road and Highway 17. One option proMinistry of posed would include removing the lights Transportation at Island View Road. Island View would presented three still have a right-in access for southbound options to Central traffic and a half signal would be installed Saanich. at East Saanich Road and the highway for southbound traffic. ■ What’s new: “There’s farmers out here whose liveliAfter learning of the hood … they all rely on traffic being able options, community to move efficiently and effectively,” said groups are gathering John Stevenson, a resident of Island View steam to oppose beach. removal of lights at the “For residents we’ll be kind of isolated. Island View intersection There’s no bus service on the east side of with Highway 17. the highway,” he added. “We’d be kind of marooned.” As well, there are wind surfers, cyclers, ■ What’s next: boaters, walkers and wildlife watchers The District of Central who use the Lochside trail and Island Saanich, which already View Regional Park. In 2011 there were stated concern with the 325,000 visits to the regional park, Stevenintersection, will see son said. the petition from those who want the lights to PLEASE SEE: stay. Petition garners, page A6
Update
Hoping to do MORE for students Christine van Reeuwyk News staff
Inspired by his wife and his father, David Thompson wants to do MORE. “I want to make a difference for kids and education,” the North Saanich father said. “We all want our kids to get the best education possible.”
So he created Making Opportunities Rise in Education Foundation which is just shy of achieving its registered charity number. “I think providing resources to the programs will give kids equal opportunities,” Thompson said. His wife Wendy, who serves as vice-president for the founda-
Don’t let hearing loss be a big issue.
When the solution can be this small. Donna M. Stewart Audiologist/Owner
tion, had the time and opportunity to become active with their son’s preschool. That commitment continued as he entered kindergarten at KELSET elementary. He’s now in Grade 1 and she’s heavily into the Parent Advisory Council. PLEASE SEE: KELSET first, page A17
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