Editor:
Living on Bayview Avenue, I totally relate to the observations made by fellow residents in the Aug. 5 article on highway noise and speed.
We also moved here in 2000 and have noticed the manifold increase in the now almost unbearable noise from the highway due to the increasing number of vehicles and motorbikes, and the ever increasing average speed. I understand that the Town at one time had a choice between the highway passing above Ladysmith or bisecting the town. Apparently, it was felt that the local economy would suffer if the highway went around the town, as today it does in Nanaimo, Parksville and towns north. I think those towns have proven that apart from the odd car running low on gas, there is no local economic benefit from a freeway. Only local people and tourists, and other people who have Ladysmith as a destination, will add to the local economy. Adding to the population will do a lot more than adding to the number of cars racing through town. Now we are left with a highway that separates the town from a lovely waterfront, hinders waterfront development and stands in the way of this town’s potential as a centre of history, culture and recreation. It has been proven that towns that offer those elements tend to attract clean industry with high-paying jobs, and high-income residents, which lowers taxes and enhances living in Ladysmith.
Another factor is air quality. When average speed goes from 70 km/h to 90 km/h, there is a 63-per-cent increase in the amount of carbon dioxide spewed into the air.
I have no doubt that population growth on the North Island will eventually force the continuation of the Campbell River-to-Nanaimo freeway south to Victoria, around Ladysmith and Duncan. But that will take years. In the meantime, the mayor gives us no hope of improvement. He states that the Department of Highways built the road for speeds up to 110 km/h, and only reluctantly reduced it to 70 km/h for the portion that passes the downtown area.
I, for one, believe in democracy and the power of the individual in a free society. I think that the speed limit should be 70 km/h, strictly enforced, from just before South Davis Road to the Mohawk Service Station. Trucking companies will object, as it will add to their travel time. That reminds me of a famous race between two cars, between New York and Los Angeles. One team was to travel, observing strictly all speed limits, the other using their own judgment. The one observing all speed limits arrived 20 minutes after the other one.
I also think that we need to examine the noise level of motorbikes. I cannot imagine that these are within legal limits, or possibly limits should be lowered and/or enforced. I have sent a copy of this letter to mayor and council, but it appears that they have given up. What will the rest of us do?
Vince Devries
Ladysmith
