September 02, 2022
Dangerous drivers know they can get away with it
Dear Editor,
I am a new resident of Qualicum and was sad to read about last year’s loss of Mr. Harty.
Yesterday morning I was out walking my dog toward the old train station around 6:00 a.m.
A smaller black hatchback, first license [plate] numbers [withheld], came barrelling up Mill [Road]. He ran the stop sign at Mill turning right – gave me the finger as he drove past and continued quickly up Beach [Road] running the stop sign turning left onto First [Avenue].
I went home and called the RCMP. Later there was a message on my cell from a very apathetic RCMP officer. At least he was going to mention the incident to the patrolling cars.
Just a few minutes ago I read about Mr. Harty… no wonder this creepy driver raced past me flipping the bird. He knew he could get away with it.
J. Yuzwa, Qualicum Beach
Four community Residents’ Associations issue joint letter to Council re Emergency Management concerns
The following letter concerning Emergency Management was sent to QB Town Council and CAO Lou Varela on August 22, 2022, jointly from the presidents of each of the four community Residents’ Associations. A week later, the Town issued a News Release entitled Emergency Response Preparedness & FAQ which we have included below. — Editor
To – Town of Qualicum Beach Mayor, Council, CAO
With the Emergency Program Coordinator positions currently vacant in both the City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach, there appears to be no structure available to co-ordinate the timely communication of and/or response to a community wide emergency.
We, the undersigned, are concerned with the commitment the Town of Qualicum Beach has to emergency preparedness and its management.
With the Emergency Program Coordinator positions currently vacant in both the City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach, there appears to be no structure available to co-ordinate the timely communication of and/or response to a community wide emergency. A proactive, full-time professional infrastructure is essential to ensuring the community, and its citizens, are prepared for and protected from emergencies of every kind, especially in light of the prevalence of current extreme weather events.
In the absence of permanent emergency measure leadership, the confidence in and guidance for the many trained volunteers will be severely impacted, compromising the continuity and thereby effectiveness of one of the best community-based EMO programs in the province.
We are therefore seeking clarity on the Town’s plan to restore and support an emergency management structure.
Sincerely,
Carol Haas, President, Chartwell Residents’ Association
John Wood, President, Eaglecrest Residents’ Association
Doug Mackay-Dunn, President, Qualicum Beach Residents’ Association
Todd Provost, President, Qualicum Woods Residents’ Association
READ the Town’s response here: