Re: “Qualicum Beach’s chain ban is a rumour,” story (The NEWS, Dec. 8).
The article’s three elements, while complete enough in their own right, are not linked together in any way that I can determine. This is unfortunate as the opportunity to get to the heart of the concern expressed by Qualiucm Beach Chamber of Commerce Chair Oura Giakoumakis is overlooked.
Considering each in turn; the section which addresses the title of the article serves, in my opinion to directly contradict the title. The paragraph outlining the current regulations and the following one in which it is stated “regulations effectively eliminate most of the businesses people associate as franchises.”
One might take the position — as Luke Sales notes — this promotes “small unique businesses and a small town character.” One could also interpret the regulations to mean that chains are not welcome and these regulations preclude chains opening locations in Qualicum Beach as their business model requires larger locations.
Of course it is a “red herring” to cite the possibility of a 50,000 square foot Chapters opening here as all readers would know.
The section covering the comments of Giakoumakis is aimed at the heart of the matter, namely “how to increase people staying in Qualicum and dining after shopping.”
And the final section wherein Coun. Anne Skipsey states the “town’s business model is paying off.” The opportunity to link the three sections into a thought provoking discussion was missed.
For example, was Skipsey asked to comment on Giakoumakis’ comments? Also, Skipsey’s comments imply that “unique businesses” cannot be more than 1,000 square meters. Does she believe this? A few more questions for Skipsey: if the model is working, why are there spaces standing available and why is the chamber of commerce through their chair posing the question above?
The article would have benefited from seeking/sharing the opinions from the three sources on the other’s comments. Let this article be the first and build on it towards interactive dialogue to address the Chamber’s question.
Ron PurcellQualicum Beach
