It’s a question that’s of increasing concern to both the construction industry and residents of the rural areas where much of the uncontaminated soil or “clean fill” gets dumped on private properties sometimes in such massive amounts that it alters the landscape. People who moved to Metchosin or Shawnigan Lake or the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area for a more bucolic existence now find themselves dealing with big-city problems like dust, traffic noise and window-rattling vibrations as hundreds of trucks rumble past, loaded with dirt from construction sites in Victoria, Colwood or Langford. Rural residents worry that all that extra soil will spill onto neighbouring properties, pollute aquifers or clog creeks and streams with silt.
Under the previous model, local fire departments were notified of almost all 911 calls. Now, they’re contacted for all life-threatening calls where response time is critical, and when their technical expertise or equipment is needed, such as car accidents and potential drownings, said B.C. Emergency Health Services. In Metchosin, the change means fire chief Stephanie Dunlop often watches ambulances drive past her fire hall while her team sits idle, unable to offer their support to their community members. She watched two go by on Tuesday without a call to her department. “I would understand, you know, the transport-only type calls or something that’s so minor, but when they’re going hot lights and sirens through the district that tells me that time is of the essence,” she said.
VICTORIA Neither side is backing down over the potential sale of a large parcel of rural land owned by the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Victoria. The debate was sparked early this year after the children s organization filed an application to sell a 40-acre parcel of its 98-acre property in Metchosin. The Boys and Girls Club says that the cost of maintaining such a large area of land is significantly higher than how much it is actually used, and wants to sell the parcel and use the funds to reinvest in its programs. When the organization announced the potential sale, the District of Metchosin and many local community members were shocked by the decision, saying that it went against the club s history of conservation and supporting youth through outdoor programs.
Metchosin throws wrench into Boys and Girls Club subdivision plan timescolonist.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timescolonist.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A commentary by the president of the Association for the Protection of Rural Metchosin (APRM). In his recent commentary, Wayne Jensen notes the serious issues facing youth and families in the . . .