As I read, over the past few weeks, the negative comments about the Crystal Pool referendum, I couldn’t help but wonder if the same result would happen as in the recent U.S. presidential vote.

Sure enough. People were shocked about Donald Trump’s win and people were “shocked” about the “Yes” vote on the pool referendum.

Apathy reared its ugly head again.

In the U.S. elections, if only four million more Democrats had got out of bed on election day or had posted their mail in vote (out of more than 40 million who did not vote), perhaps Kamala Harris would be the president and there would be less turmoil around the world.

It was the same result in the pool referendum, albeit on a smaller scale. Only about 16,000 of a potential 73,000 voters either voted at the polling stations or mailed in their ballots. There were about 9,000 Yes votes and 6,000 No votes.

It was obvious that all 9,000 of the dedicated pool users would have got out to vote as they wanted to use the beautiful new pools.

Unfortunately, only 6,000 of the remaining 57,000 residents, who will probably never use the pools, took the time out on a beautiful Saturday to cast their vote or requested a mail-in ballot.

In five or six years, after the new pool building with the projected $216 million price — which will probably be more like $300 million after inflation and cost overruns — is open, Victoria taxpayers will see the notation on their municipal tax bills: A separate tax of $500 for new pool.

They will see this on their tax bill for 20 years and will be thinking, “If only I had got out to vote.”

If Oak Bay ever has to put out a referendum on a major cost proposal which may affect our tax bill, I would hope that we would do a better job at the polls. Maybe yes … and maybe no.

Barry Hersh

Oak Bay

Considering that only about 21% of eligible voters cast ballots, I hope that if anyone disagreeing with the Crystal Pool outcome but did not cast a ballot does not complain about the outcome.

Only those that cast ballots have any right to disagree.

Blair Humphrey

Fairfield

Is it true that renters voted on financing a new pool?

With renters having no direct stake in financing a new pool, having them vote on the matter is akin to stuffing the ballot box.

Shame on council for its biased management of the referendum.

There should be a re-vote involving direct taxpayers only.

L.J. Olivier

Victoria

What did the Crystal Pool referendum really mean?

There were 73,409 eligible Victoria voters in 2025, and it’s reported that 12-13% voted in favour of a new pool with its associated tax increase for all. Nine per cent of the eligible voted against proceeding.

So 59% of those who voted could make a decision on behalf of the 9% opposed and the 78% who did not bother to vote.

If the elected council, chosen by 38% of the eligible voters in 2022, had voted 6-3 (67%), or 5-3 if one vacancy (62%), in favour would it really have been any less valid a decision of the eligible voters?

They were elected in 2022 to make decisions affecting all the eligible voters, yet by this referendum they could allow 12-13% make the decision.

I’m not in Victoria so I have no vote or tax effect by this decision, but I find it irresponsible for elected councillors to avoid making decisions which impact all citizens in their community.

Terry Prentice

former councillor

Esquimalt

Re: “B.C. should fund research on effect of police in schools: commissioner,” Feb. 5.

I find it mind boggling that human rights commissioner Kasari Govender has the temerity to claim that the government failed to provide factual information for making it mandatory to have school police liaison programs in schools.

All of this based upon reports that some students and teachers don’t feel safe with officers in schools.

What part of the conversations with police chiefs in our area hasn’t she listened to? What part of the criminal activity and potential recruitment of students did she not understand?

My sister and I grew up in the 1960s when a police officer was first introduced to the students at the elementary school level and even gave self-defence classes to the Grade 7 girls.

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