A lack of concerns we haven’t. The problem is with trying to sort out the opinions, proposals, and weedy verbiage with which they are being presented. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.
THE SCHOOL
This is no doubt the hot topic in Qualicum Beach right now.
What started out as discussion on the possible closing of the high school, has become a morass of the declining enrolment graph and its supposed causes, muddied by a school board policy change which appears to give those concerned fewer options to have their say and less time to say it in.
A report on School Board Policy 3040 states “… [its] wording cuts in half the four-month period available for consultations prior to a school closure …].” Board officials say that the-already-passed … “first reading [of this policy] actually widens the scope of possible consultations …”
So do the math – half of four equals two (as in months for consultation); but remember, that “is widening the scope” according to what board members are calling “… a coincidence that the time frame for closing a school be reduced while the board is considering the fate of KSS …”
Of course, “There is a misunderstanding of the procedure,” said board member Preston.
You can always bet when we oppose a move from above, we dodos simply don’t understand. But we can always check out the FAQs (frequently asked questions) on the board website as suggested. Are our questions in there? With a straight answer?
After all, “ … the district’s position,” reiterated Board Chair Eve Flynn, “…[is] that the two issues of Policy 3040 and KSS’ fate are not related.”
If you say so. But if “… policy [3040] wasn’t time sensitive and could have waited” then it could easily have waited until the first issue had run its course rather than being tossed out to try confusing the public.
THE PATH
I drive that path-proposed section of QB’s Memorial Avenue every day. Since the days when QB enjoyed village status, many homes were sited along that stretch of road.
The proposed walking/biking path would most certainly condemn many of those trees. How can such sacrilege be justified in a community which prides itself on its quality of life? Indeed, the Berwick Road path is the better option — fewer curves, set-back trees, better sight lines, less disturbance of that tourist/business priority, adjoining the Dollymount Trail — how many reason do you need? (No, no … the walkers/bikers enroute to the beach are not the dollar-dropping shoppers.)
THE GARBAGE
2010/2011 — The Years of the Bears. The brilliant suggestion to keep green bins full of food waste indoors until the imminent approach of the Bean ‘n’ Bones rig is not a bad idea … for the winter months.
But let’s consider the good ol’ summertime — temperatures in the 20s, garages get hot, may not exist, car ports are not bear-proof, some houses are small, no outbuildings — where to put the stink bin?
Freeze the stuff until B‘n’B day?
Does everyone have a big freezer in which to contain and store deteriorating food? The bears are on top of this one.
MEMORIAL AVE
SPEED
40 k/h in this day and age for a downhill/uphill stretch of urban road may sound reasonable but is it realistic?
Driving uphill from the beach is almost a stall and going downhill requires a lot of riding the brakes. But the real issue is: Is this speed limit being enforced?
Not! Private autos, big trucks, school buses, all careen down Memorial with total disregard for the shiny new signs.
A law is only as good as its acceptance or enforcement.
