Best approach for new housing
“Saanich endorses new zone for micro apartments,” May 3.
Saanich’s new zones for small apartments is a much better initiative than Victoria’s missing middle, for a few reasons.
It is not a blanket, go anywhere plan. It will be only available on or near corridors.
The projects will still need to go through approval process. It is specifically geared towards small, affordable rentals, which is what we need.
Victoria’s missing middle loses out on all these standards; no approval process, build anywhere, no affordability or rental intention.
Richard Volet
Victoria
Regulate apartment use
I am not for or against this idea but immediately think of the misuse of these types of apartments for Airbnb use.
As long as there is a restriction on usage I agree.
The provincial government needs to do more to regulate the use of apartments and suites being used for Airbnb.
The original purpose was for space in homes, rooms or basements to be used as such. Not whole apartments and houses that are taken out of the long-term rental market adding to the horrific housing crunch we have now.
Get on with it to restrict and register the number of Airbnb units.
Cathy Bhandar
Saanich
Taking killer cats seriously
Re: “Don’t blame those cats when birds disappear,” letter, May 3.
The letter said it was “mere emotional exaggeration” that domestic cats decimate bird populations.
Here’s an idea: let’s review the evidence from bird experts. If they say cats are a problem, it deserves serious listening. And taking action ourselves.
Makes one wonder if what the writer was really saying is “don’t make me keep my cat indoors.”
By the way, I like cats, always have. But not killers of domestic birds.
Richard Kubik
Victoria
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