Recently, after considerable input from the public and the Parksville Downtown Business Association, Parksville city council has requested a review and recommendations by staff to slow down the traffic and “pedestrianize” the highways that bisect Parksville.
Anybody who has walked or biked along the Island Highway through the city can attest to the unpleasant experience of vehicles speeding past.
Perhaps it would be timely to implement the name changes of the two highways that divide Parksville, in advance of the traffic calming measures to be recommended. The “highway” connotation simply encourages rapid vehicle traffic to move quickly to their destination.
I suggest at this time that the Island Highway be renamed Oceanside Boulevard (as suggested in the OCP Review) and the Alberni Highway be renamed LeMoine Boulevard as a tribute to our tireless Medal of Good Citizenship award winner, Joan LeMoine.
From a marketing perspective, any businesses would benefit from having a respectful classy “Boulevard” address as compared to a highway address.
Consider Rodeo Drive or Robson Street and their destination shopping appeal.
Douglas O’BrienParksville
