Upon reading a recent story in your paper about the restructuring and creation of a new municipality for South Cowichan, I believe it is time to revamp many CVRD areas. If there is to be a restructure of South Cowichan, perhaps it is time to look at other areas of the CVRD as well.
How about we look at the restructuring of WEST Cowichan as well. West Cowichan has an opportunity to fit into the narrative of North Cowichan and South Cowichan perfectly.
West Cowichan would envelop Areas F and I along with the now doctorless town of Lake Cowichan to create a new area called West Cowichan.
The citizens would continue to send our water down hill, but everything else would be controlled, overseen and be solely governed by local elected citizens of West Cowichan, where our tax dollars would benefit our local area the most. There would be a local committee of nine directors who have only one area to focus on and that is West Cowichan from Highway 18 connector west. Much better than the three votes we get now, with people in other towns making drastic decisions for an area and persons they know little about.
We may need to purchase some large equipment for direct use by our communities, such as a garbage truck or other equipment. We would have better control and less wear and tear on equipment, if we were making decisions for our staff and equipment, closer to home.
Our taxes would help to fund infrastructure in our own community, instead of it flowing downhill, never to be seen again. Our communities could prioritize road repairs, community connection and decisions would be made by directors, who have a vested interest in our local area and communities.
The CVRD is looking to change the South End area configurations, Duncan is looking to expand its boundaries and West Cowichan is an ideal candidate for restructure as well. It is time for CVRD to change the area letters, to better serve the citizens of each area fairly, professionally and with courtesy to the diverse differences and lifestyle needs in our own local communities
Of course, some things would cost more, some perhaps less. The accountability, responsibility and liveability of West Cowichan would improve drastically. We need to consider our well being and future needs closer to home and that home should be West Cowichan.
Glynis Eve
Mesachie Lake
