I consider myself part of the silent majority in Qualicum Beach and I’m compelled to speak out in response to the defeat of the growth containment boundary changes (“QB Council is denied,” The NEWS, June26).
I am in disbelief that a group of 12 unelected individuals are accepted as representative of the community instead of the duly elected council.
I am also disappointed that a council member misunderstands his duties as a committee member and, rather than supporting the majority vote of his council, goes to the RDN board to ask that the official request of his council be rejected.
Requesting another authority to adjudicate the majority vote of our council sets a precedent for bullying by minority activist groups via unelected and uninformed officials.
The majority of Qualicum Beach councillors were elected because they ran on a platform for change. This was a clear statement by the majority of community residents wanting this area to be vibrant and vital for everyone, which includes young people and their children.
Parksville is getting government grants that Qualicum Beach is missing out on because Qualicum Beach is reluctant to develop destination type projects.
I remember someone once saying that if a person does not want to change, he/she might as well lie down because he/she is already dead. Change is part of life. We can choose to be a joyous part of creating it, or we can choose to resist it.
I believe the majority of residents want to see successful businesses and young families with children filling town schools. Seeing happy vacationers sharing this paradise and having laughter in the streets and on the beaches is a wonderful thing.
It reminds us of ourselves when we first discovered this beautiful place. These things provide tourist dollars and result in a solid tax base where old and new businesses can thrive, potentially lessening the pressure on residential property taxes.
Other small towns adapt and thrive. A few lovely restaurants, bistros, shops, art galleries, a unique theatre, along with some fun and inviting active areas along the beaches, would be special reasons for everyone to share in the potential joy that Qualicum Beach offers.
We already have beautiful walking and cycling trails and lovely golf courses for active people to enjoy. Let’s embrace what we have and build on it year round.
We need to nurture young people and families and make them feel welcome by providing homes and facilities and work for them, including destination developments on the beach and in the community.
We need to share the future with all the people that we need and rely on for a healthy community. We need to have fresh eyes to solve the problems of vacant lots, failing businesses and the frequently empty streets. These are indicators that signal the need for change.
The silent majority needs to speak up at meetings and at the voting booth — if not for ourselves, then for the future.
Jan Byers
Qualicum Beach
