Dear editor,
A couple of comments on three current issues:
I recently heard a suggestion that Vancouver Island become a separate province. It’s a brilliant idea, which I really think we should consider working towards. Our island has a larger population than either the provinces of New Brunswick or Newfoundland/Labrador, and around five times the population of PEI.
B.C. is a big and varied province geographically and the population is growing very quickly, and thus it would make sense for it to be divided into two. Many issues affecting us here on the island are not relevant to inhabitants so far away on the other side of the province, and it would be excellent for us to have representation for our own interests.
Do others feel the same? If so, how could we go about it?
On a different subject, the possibility of a roundabout at Ryan and Lerwick.
Great idea, once everyone has mastered the rules of roundabouts, in particular that drivers on the actual roundabout circle have the right of way, as opposed to those who are trying to enter into the roundabout circle.
It’s a ridiculous idea that there isn’t room for one, it’s a spacious intersection without buildings close to the roads (yet) and plenty of lanes already.
Having spent a number of years in England, I can vouch that roundabouts are safe and keep traffic moving. However, if a roundabout is decided upon, please please please get a consultant from Europe to design the thing!
Whoever designed the one on Cumberland Road obviously doesn’t understand the flow idea and in particular the shape required for the road entrances and exits.
Traffic is supposed to feed in and flow out of the circle, which it cannot at the Cumberland roundabout with awkward curbs to negotiate sticking out at odd angles.
And re: parking at the new hospital.
What a crazy, tiny place to put such a facility, and with no option for later expansion either. And unbelievable that none of the highly paid consultants foresaw the obvious parking problems.
If they choose to charge for hospital parking, I along with so many others will be parking elsewhere and walking: e.g. Home Depot, Thrifty plaza, the college, residential areas, and the Aquatic Centre (which I pay for every year with my taxes but never ever use, so I feel I’m owed a parking space there once in a while).
The expense required for permits, surveillance, and signage to prevent those coming to the hospital from parking at the above free locations will be enormous, onerous and ongoing.
In England, where they have also chosen to charge for hospital parking (which i personally think is a travesty), polls have repeatedly shown that the thing people are most upset about hospital care is not the long waiting lists, superbugs and cleanliness, overcrowded wards, lack of nurses, etc.
No. 1 on people’s complaint lists is having to pay for parking when visiting sick friends or relatives or having to go for a procedure there themselves.
I do hope a very large parkade with free parking is already in the hospital plans. Given the site that’s been chosen, in the midst of malls, future commercial development, community service complexes, and residential areas, it is the only option that can be sensibly considered.
S. Joy,
Merville
