I moved to Canada in 1967 and we settled in Alberta. Next year, we decided to take our first Canadian vacation in B.C., having heard about the wonderful summer climate there, pulling an old tent trailer behind our vehicle.
We had a wonderful time but I did notice the lack of sidewalks in some areas, just grass and gravel at the side of some roads, except in the cities and some housing developments. This seemed strange to me, having lived in a country where sidewalks were everywhere except in country lanes.
One was even permitted to park the wheels of one side of your car on the sidewalk or pavement as they are called in Britain. After many vacations in B.C. I decided I would not like to live there as the lack of sidewalks seemed to bother me, even though the lack of was only in certain districts.
Now we have been living on this beautiful island for 15 years. I walk to town down Mill Road frequently, facing the oncoming traffic. The only pedestrians I see are going to their mailbox or to town. There is no room for sidewalks to be installed, the road cannot be less wide and I am sure people do not want to lose part of their garden to make room for a sidewalk.
I fear that any wishes for safety for pedestrians and traffic should have been attended to long ago and that it is too late to make any permanent changes.
Vivien Sansom
Qualicum Beach
