Over the past few months there have been a number of expensive projects discussed in the news. Taken individually, many of the projects sound very good and worth supporting.
As some writers have pointed out — whether money comes from municipal, provincial or federal governments, it’s all tax money, mostly coming out of tax payers’ pockets.
However, there isn’t enough money to fund all projects — from any level of government.
It’s time we had a forum or some ‘town hall meetings’ for an open discussion of these projects, to see if we can give our politicians some guidance on where to prioritize and spend our hard-earned money.
And if a politician steps forward to host such meetings — congratulations — but it’s not intended as a photo op or chance for the politician to expound on their party’s policies — keep it zippered and listen!
Some of the big ticket items with an impact on the mid-Island that I’m aware of include the following:
• Maintaining rail service on Vancouver Island — this appears to require about $100 M subsidy over the next 10 to 15 years, assuming no major earthquakes, and not counting local costs such as level crossings — and nothing has been said about the cost of rail accidents.
• Twinning the Malahat Highway — preferably with a totally separate road — for safety and security.
Is a bridge across the Saanich Inlet even possible?
It would shorten the drive to the Victoria Airport. But what about the cost ?
• A second proper access road to Port Alberni (and the West Coast). Relying on Highway 4 as the sole access around Cameron Lake is a risk.
• Water storage and water treatment facilities for Parksville — Qualicum Beach — $40 million. And what about surrounding areas?
• Ensuring key facilities such as hospitals, ambulance and fire halls, along with all of our schools, are at least reasonably earthquake proof.
• Infrastructure — a wide range of water/sewer/sewage treatment/ road works etc. are aging and will need replacing.
Do we need to build alternative roadways around major bridges so we won’t be isolated after a big quake?
And at the provincial or federal level, some expensive items include:
• The extensive ship-building program (which appears to be kept within Canada). Several billion?
• Stealth fighter planes — is this $25 or $35 billion?
The only justification I have seen from the government is that some senior military leaders “want to play in the big boys’ league”, which I don’t find to be a convincing argument.
• Universal day-care.
• Healthcare.
• Pensions / CPP / OAS / etc.
• Higher education costs.
So there are many good topics for public discussion, to give our politicians some direction for their spending of our tax dollars — or not.
Andy Pickard
Qualicum Beach
