Recently, in Qualicum Beach, there have been a series of critical changes voted in primarily by three councillors. These votes are against the expressed wishes of the majority of citizens attending the many meetings concerning these changes.
The most recent in this series of critical changes is the third reading approval of a five-storey, residential block. It will be a game changer for the character of Qualicum Beach. Its design is out of step, its size is out of step and it is going to be expensive for taxpayers — who will pay for the necessary infrastructure required such as buried wires and additional traffic lights?
Throughout the series of changes I kept asking why? What is the purpose and benefit for our very special town? The answers the three councillors give often seem vague and/or off topic. However, in pursuing the explanations they gave for the development of this huge apartment block, I feel like I have fallen down the white rabbit hole where reason has been turned upside down.
Building this apartment block that is objectionably oversized for our town and a completely different design than the craftsman style of our town will negatively affect Qualicum Beach’s attractiveness. The current charm and profile of Qualicum Beach with our beautiful Town Hall and clock tower visible for most places in town are keys to our town’s economic base. The town’s charisma, along with quality of life, are the reasons people come here to visit, return for subsequent visits and stay.
Perhaps these three councillors would be happier running for council in Surrey.
Lois Eaton
Qualicum Beach
