We often get a sense of comfort when we think of home — and the same could arguably be thought of with roads.
When we think back to a time when we used to live in little to no fear of safety, taking off our training wheels to ride down our safe residential roads, mom and dad watching nearby, it’s safe to say that same level of comfort is no longer around on Hovey Road in Central Saanich.
Residents along Hovey and Tomlinson roads have lamented the growing number of large trucks rushing by on the narrow rural street. As a result of the activity, paired with neighbourhood use of the street, safety questions come up time and time again.
At the same time, issues of hope and prosperity for the neighbouring First Nation community come up. The Tsartlip community borders the area and access to and from the First Nation is by that same road. And that includes commercial truck traffic originating from a business leasing land on the Tsartlip Nation.
Some residents see the whole situation as a lose-lose situation. People want a place safe for the next generation and horse riders want to enjoy a safe ride. It’s also a potential lose-lose for an entrepreneur trying to make a name for himself and support his loved ones.
Yet, out of all the negativity and hostility surrounding these conflicting road uses, must come a decision that probably won’t please everyone.
The status of the road remains in question, with little to nothing being proposed to help solve the conflict. So what will happen next?
More raised voices and pointing fingers, yet the dust will settle and the road will remain.
Whether it’s widened or rebuilt, or another access is created, safety should always remain at the top of everyone’s priority list.
Will that mean taking trails or sidewalks? Maybe. Will it mean the loss of a business? Possibly.
Whatever the decision, the easiest way to resolve the conflict is communication and with that, respect.
Anger will continue as that comes with the passion in standing up for what one cares about. But the taking of the high road should still stand true.
It means discussion over fighting, respect over anger and communication people to people, community to community.
