Harewood Mall (University Village)

[queen of the waterfront]

We did our busking yard sale in my old neighborhood, Prideaux and Fitzwilliam. I used to live on the corner of Kennedy and Fitzwilliam.
I took a walk to remember. I see that they have some kind of mental health, drug addiction place where Haven was, on Wentworth.I thought I was back at the China Steps a couple of years ago.There really were some whacked out people yesterday and today! There is no way that this facility does not impact the neighborhood!

I cant tell you about the liquor store, other than that I patronise it sometimes because I liked Wayne Smith and thought him a responsible owner, as I do Jerry Hong who owns it now.
My kids wwere young when I bought my house . I thought it was a safe place to help them grow up. I am really not sure if I would make that decision now.Am I being a NIMBY? i dont know. It just does not feel the same.

[oldtimer]

Queen of the water front: I am not against liquor outlets, per say, what I am opposing is the introduction of a liquor outlet, in an area that is frequented by youths, surrounded by residential housing, is frequented by young families, and is not wanted by the PROPERTY OWNERS in the area. The area has already got a high police attendance record, due to the 7-Eleven store, and the low income housing complex adjacent, to the Mall property. In the news in the last few days, it has been nice to hear, the city of Victoria, stand for the residents, on keeping an old housing complex, and going against the Victoria Chamber of Commerce. It was also nice, to hear the Mayor of Esquimalt, fight for her residents, on the all night open businesses that invite crime, and problems for the safety of the residents. Wouldn't it be nice, to for once see the city of Nanaimo Councilors stand up for their residents and tax payers, than to give in to Big Business, companies from the mainland, and business persons of Nanaimo, that are pushing alcohol, and problems upon the city.

[queen of the waterfront]

Queen of the water front: I am not against liquor outlets, per say, what I am opposing is the introduction of a liquor outlet, in an area that is frequented by youths, surrounded by residential housing, is frequented by young families, and is not wanted by the PROPERTY OWNERS in the area. The area has already got a high police attendance record, due to the 7-Eleven store, and the low income housing complex adjacent, to the Mall property. In the news in the last few days, it has been nice to hear, the city of Victoria, stand for the residents, on keeping an old housing complex, and going against the Victoria Chamber of Commerce. It was also nice, to hear the Mayor of Esquimalt, fight for her residents, on the all night open businesses that invite crime, and problems for the safety of the residents. Wouldn't it be nice, to for once see the city of Nanaimo Councilors stand up for their residents and tax payers, than to give in to Big Business, companies from the mainland, and business persons of Nanaimo, that are pushing alcohol, and problems upon the city.

Oldtimer I am so with you! I dont see much chance of that happening in Nanaimo.

When I think of the whole mess that that happened with the Downtown Partnership Society, I see residents having NO SAY in how their money gets spent! I hear the word Democratic but I see the

DICTATORSHIP OF THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR

[oldtimer]

Well our day in court is coming on July 13ths meeting of the City Council, and the Big Boys from the Mainland, who care squat of the residents or the PROPERTY owners in Harewood, will be there to try and spin their web of niceties, and finances. It will be up to the city councilors to decide, if alcohol, is good for the community, and the youth, that are attracted to the Mall area, and under their own vision and accountability, accept responsibility,for their decisions and actions.

[kickidee]

Well our day in court is coming on July 13ths meeting of the City Council, and the Big Boys from the Mainland, who care squat of the residents or the PROPERTY owners in Harewood, will be there to try and spin their web of niceties, and finances. It will be up to the city councilors to decide, if alcohol, is good for the community, and the youth, that are attracted to the Mall area, and under their own vision and accountability, accept responsibility,for their decisions and actions.

I disagree there. The blame will come back to us, they will say we voted them in. Another reason for more of us to vote!! Of course the credit should we be so lucky as to have the human value placed above profit will be entirely thiers.

[oldtimer]

KICKIDEE: I am holding my breath on this one, due to the fact that I think that the majority of councilors and the Mayor, have realized the alcohol problem, in the city, and where it is generating from. The citizens know, the people on the street know, now I hope the city council knows. It has been known for years the games that have been played with the ALCOHOL issue, and if we lose this one, I am sure the PUBLIC HEARING will be educational to all. I might be new at the MUNICIPAL POLITICS, but my years, in the TRADE UNION MOVEMENT taught me that before you start an argument, do your research, build your case, and be UPFRONT.

[sustainibertarian]

You might to find some studies that examine whether or not liquor store concentration and density have a statistically significant affect on alcohol usage if you want to have some "evidence." There are studies out there, you just have to cherry pick the one's that support your argument, as anyone involved in politics does! One's with academic integrity, especially peer reviewed journal articles would be the most legitimate.

[oldtimer]

Well the council beat us on this round, it was not the opposition, it was the council. For some reason they have trouble, listening to the electorate, unless you make a big stink, they can smell, so I guess, the next step is to make a big stink. What I did notice, is that council is afraid to even talk without the support of STAFF. The political process, or roberts rules of order, seem to be dictated through staff. I was quite impressed with the Mayors questions on security, due to the fact that their security, is a rounds person who checks the locks, every hour or so, then returns to his secure spot. Still no concerns for the residents, just what business will Bosa get to make him more money. This is a learning process, and I sure am learning.

[Nostradama]

Well the council beat us on this round, it was not the opposition, it was the council. For some reason they have trouble, listening to the electorate, unless you make a big stink, they can smell, so I guess, the next step is to make a big stink. What I did notice, is that council is afraid to even talk without the support of STAFF. The political process, or roberts rules of order, seem to be dictated through staff. I was quite impressed with the Mayors questions on security, due to the fact that their security, is a rounds person who checks the locks, every hour or so, then returns to his secure spot. Still no concerns for the residents, just what business will Bosa get to make him more money. This is a learning process, and I sure am learning.

Last night's meeting seemed to me to be really heavy on council turning to staff with "What do we do now?" They get their agendas and information packages well in advance, you'd think they could do a little more homework before the meeting than some of them appear to do.

[queen of the waterfront]

Well the council beat us on this round, it was not the opposition, it was the council. For some reason they have trouble, listening to the electorate, unless you make a big stink, they can smell, so I guess, the next step is to make a big stink. What I did notice, is that council is afraid to even talk without the support of STAFF. The political process, or roberts rules of order, seem to be dictated through staff. I was quite impressed with the Mayors questions on security, due to the fact that their security, is a rounds person who checks the locks, every hour or so, then returns to his secure spot. Still no concerns for the residents, just what business will Bosa get to make him more money. This is a learning process, and I sure am learning.

Oldtimer you will need to learn as much as you can about the Community Charter and all the rules that govern how city councils must be run.
Making a stink is only good if you have the tools to make it stick.

Staff hates it when you are as well informed about the rules as they are.

i believe that the Mayor and Council are just puppets. They have no real power.

Yes we do elect them . That gives the impression that the voters have a say.

Unless you have an overwhelming number of voters making a really HUGE stink, you will be unable to sway council.
i admire you for learning and growing. When we as citizens make a stand for the things that are important to us as individuals we become a better community.