Re: Traffic dictates planning on Shelbourne (News, May 16)
Well a big “goodonyuh” to Saanich planner Harold Stanley.
Finally, someone who looks at planning our street updates with common sense and logic, rather than the “green garden, get rid of the cars, let’s make it all a park” attitude of people like Coun. Judy Brownoff.
Victoria is covered with gardens that have taken over the major thoroughfares, eliminating lanes that are needed to keep the traffic flowing. Traffic that, believe it or not Ms. Brownoff, is going to be there whether you like it or not.
Some of the politicians in Greater Victoria seem stuck on the idea that if they make the streets hard enough to travel on that people are just going to park their cars and walk, or ride bikes and enjoy the “street gardens” as they make their way around. Come on.
Brownoff says, “Cars shouldn’t be the priority in getting around” and that “centres” should be created where “you can live, work and shop.” Not everyone lives within walking distance of their work and after-work activities, and not everyone is obsessed with the idea of a “car free, bicycle dominated” society.
Cars are going to be there, and some of us just plain enjoy driving our cars – I know I do.
Now, would it be possible to contract Mr. Stanley out to the rest of Greater Victoria?
Larry Zilinsky
Saanich
