The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Thursday, November 14, 2013
www.pqbnews.com
Letters Why demolish forest house? It seems an absurd solution to destroy part of the building in the Heritage Forest because Qualicum Beach town council has been unable to evict the tenant. Keeping a person living in that remote part of the forest would seem to be a good deterrent to discourage vandals and partiers. Will security be required down the road and at what cost? The property around the stables looks well cared for and it is reassuring to know there is someone close by if needed. There is value in keeping a tenant there and if this fellow gets free lodging in exchange for being a caretaker and has done so without any bother to the town, then why not continue this arrangement? Deb Schrott Qualicum Beach
No house discussioN It was with repulsion and disbelief that we read of the Qualicum Beach town council’s order to destroy the long-time home of the Heritage Forest’s caretaker while he is still occupying it (‘Building to face wrecking ball’, The NEWS, Nov. 7). With the stroke of a pen, “without discussion” or public consultation, the council has turned a man’s home into a squat and the man into a miscreant to be tossed out with the rest of the debris. Nobody knows the truth behind this council’s decision to suddenly turn their turrets around and take aim at this person who has lived quietly for years in the forest’s little stable house and maintained the area in exchange for free rent and utilities,
almaNac
Quotable:
“If they get out again they will go after anything that runs,”
Government Contacts
amber DaWeS see story page a7
but we suspect it may have something to do with the “free” part of that agreement. Some individuals are afflicted with an all-consuming phobia that somewhere, somehow, someone may be getting a free lunch. This phobia worms its mean way into their brains causing their eyes to narrow into angry slits and their lips to curl and freeze in place. There’s even a T-shirt available to them that says “Nullum Gratuitum Prandium” — or, to us common folk, “There Is No Free Lunch!” Of course, this war cry is never directed at the upper classes such as royalty, politicians, senators or developers. Well, since it’s all been decided anyway, why don’t we dust off those “Event In Progress” signs that we so dearly love, grab the kids and head down to the Heritage Forest paddock area for the big show. Christmas is just around the corner — we could have the wrecking ball decorated up like a huge holiday ornament. We could cheer on the Work Safe B.C. inspectors as they haul the man out just before the swinging starts. Maybe have a bonfire using his furniture while the carillon bells play “Peace on Earth Good Will to Men.” Then we can all go back to our warm homes afterwards and be thankful that we live in such a kind and caring little town. Fern anD Laurence Wayman Qualicum Beach
happy trails Today we mourn the loss of Bacardi, the dog that greeted anyone and everyone who walked down East Fern Road for the last 17 years. She had her own divot in the dirt under the big tree at the entrance to her master’s
proViNcial:
home, Holly Grove Stables, located on the corner of Qualicum Road and East Fern. Rain or shine, this gentle soul greeted the people and dogs of her kingdom. I often felt she embodied the spirit of Qualicum Beach. The countless people who stopped to give her a scratch or a treat, or slowed down on Qualicum Road when she was out making her rounds, attest to the tribute that “It Takes a Village to Raise a Dog.” When I moved here from Edmonton, I was told if you’re really really good in your life, you’ll come back as a Qualicum Beach dog. Lucky her, and lucky us. She will be missed by many and remembered by all. Happy Trails, Old Girl.
Scott FraSer, mLa alberni-Pacific rim
SuSie coen Qualicum Beach
micheLLe StiLWeLL, mLa
1-866-870-4190 e-mail: scott. fraser.mla@leg. bc.ca
Parksville Qualicum 250-248-2625 e-mail michelle. stilwell.mla@leg. bc.ca
federal:
Qualicum:
JameS Lunney, mP nanaimo-alberni
teuniS WeStbroek mayor, town of Qualicum beach
1-866-390-7550 e-mail: nanaimo@ jameslunneymp.ca
town office: 250-752-6921 e-mail: mayor@ qualicumbeach.com
smart meter opt-out Re: recent stories and letters to the editor in The NEWS about smart meters. The B.C. Utilities Commission has been instructed by B.C. government cabinet minister Bill Bennett to not obstruct anything about smart meters, including the so-called ‘opt-out options.’ They advise that we are to pay these amounts until a full review has been done and refunds will be made if required. Right. My neighbours in Victoria say their bills have gone up by approx. 25-30 per cent since their new meters were installed. I continue to refuse the installation, but I have a bad feeling that big business will win, as usual. This is a worldwide issue, as the same thing is happening everywhere.
parKsVille: rdN:
maureen Donovan Victoria
VieWs in the News We asked: Do you shop at local craft fairs? Why or why not?
A11
chriS burger mayor, city of Parksville city hall office: 250-954-4661 e-mail: chrisburger@ parksville.ca
Joe StanhoPe chairman, regional District of nanaimo 250-390-4111 e-mail: corpsrv@ rdn.bc.ca
Rules to write by I used to, right now I’m not able to. MarIe roManIuk Parksville
all LetterS to the eDitor must be signed and include your full name, home town and contact phone number. those without these requirements will not be published. Letters must be 300 words or less and are subject to editing. the neWS retains the right not to publish any submissions.
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