A big thanks to Bruce Hallsor for reminding us about the eloquence of Robbie Burns and all he had to teach about the human condition.

It reminded me of one of his poems about the horrors of the early industrial revolution’s working conditions for children, which could just as easily apply to what is occurring in Trump’s MAGA nation.

Roughly translated, it went something like this: “We came not here to view your works in hopes to be more wise, but only lest we’re going to hell, it will be no surprise.”

Howard Brunt

North Saanich

The City of Victoria is now planning to put bike lanes on Cook Street from Bay Street to Maplewood.

My street only enters onto Haultain Street. I can no longer go through Haultain to access Shelbourne Street, and now, probably Cook Street will be single lane each way.

I feel like I live in a corn maze. Can the city make my neighbourhood any more inaccessible?

Eileen Cannon

Victoria

If you were driving into Victoria for your very first time along the Pat Bay Highway and saw the “Welcome to Greater Victoria: Home of Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet” sign, you could be forgiven for thinking how tired and run-down it looks.

Is it a prelude to what to expect on your visit? Weathered and a bit shabby, with glimpses of pride that used to be, maybe it’s time to freshen it up. Let’s start with the sign!

Bob Dawson

Sidney

It was reported that Victoria provides 439 shelter beds, by comparison, Saanich has 50.

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto stated, “We are now at a point where we have pretty much concluded the ability to welcome anyone else into the city.”

Why has Victoria essentially sought to attract homeless people, many with mental health problems and drug addiction?

The slogan “if you build it, they will come” has been an expression that carries much validity.

The services that the city provides have obviously had a magnetic effect, and if you think the reason is the weather, the other 12 municipalities in Greater Victoria have the same........

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