De’lish parking a byproduct of doing business

Re: Residents complain that popular corner is dangerous (News, Oct. 28)

De’lish, the bakery-coffee shop on St Patrick’s Street, appears to have made some of the neighbours fearful because some customers drive to the place.

If the neighbours of De’lish are fearful, heaven knows how the residents of Monterey and Hampshire who live near Oak Bay Avenue feel. They must be either catatonic with panic or made of much sterner stuff than their distraught neighbours to the south.

Businesses attract traffic. It’s not rocket science. The property at which De’lish is located was the site for many years of Bowland’s Bakery, which seems to have started operating shortly after the glaciers retreated with ne’er a whimper from their neighbours.

So what is it about De’lish that gets some people, however few, so riled up? De’lish is successful and attracts customers.

The patrons seem decent, honest and respectable. The sort of people who live in Oak Bay, just like you and me. There is a youthful element, people in their 40s and 50s. It could be these youngsters who, hyped-up on caffeine, are causing mayhem and making the sensitive folk of the neighbourhood fearful.

“Residents only” parking signs is a brilliant idea, but it seems wrong to penalize only De’lish when so many other businesses and services in Oak Bay are attracting customers even though their stout-hearted neighbours have yet to whine.

There could be residents-only parking signs everywhere there are businesses. But wait, won’t potential customers simply park outside the residents-only zones? They probably will, and so the only really sensible solution is make the whole municipality residents-only parking.

John Owen

Oak Bay

Thriving businesses add to Oak Bay’s vibrancy

In last Wednesday’s Oak Bay News an issue brought before council regarding traffic at Central and St. Patrick concerned us.

Local residents around that commercial area are upset that traffic increases around 5 p.m. Traffic on public streets all around the municipality increases at this time as people return home from work, and pick up children from after school programs and sports events.

This area has always had a variety of businesses attracting local residents. Clustered at this intersection are a bus stop, grocery and coffee shop, hair salon, spa, bakery-café, apartments and massage therapist. Previously this area had a laundromat, bakery, design studio, gift store and additional transit stop.

Residents here made an informed choice when purchasing or deciding to rent. One might assume they chose the location to enjoy the conveniences by these businesses and services.

In short, this has always been a busy location. Central is a major thoroughfare. We wonder, then, why De’lish is being singled out and pilloried. This business is a community asset that provides so much of what we value about Oak Bay.

The same could be said about other businesses. The popularity of these businesses indicates that Oak Bay residents value and support what they provide. We vote with our wallets, feet and, occasionally, with our vehicles.

While we understand the concerns raised, we trust that council can look at the big picture and recognize that Oak Bay is not the sleepy municipality it once was. It is a wonderful, vibrant residential and business community that must balance the needs of all residents.

Busy residents sometimes need the convenience of stopping (with vehicles) to purchase great food on their way home and should feel positive about supporting local businesses.

Keith and Marguerite McCallion

Oak Bay

Don’t let bad apples spoil well-served area

The negativity conveyed in a recent article concerning De’lish in South Oak Bay isn’t representative of many of us living in the area.

Importantly, all the stores and services in that block contribute to the traffic and parking activity, not just De’lish. I usually walk to De’lish and use the services of the grocery store, the hair salon and the health centre. I could drive but choose not to.

Whenever possible I patronize these stores over the Fairfield Plaza or the Oak Bay Avenue because it keeps our local community alive with services which are easily lost and highly appreciated. The quality of their goods is exceptional and all the stores provide friendly staff, competitive value and reliable convenience. What more could be asked?

Although I empathize with those nearby who may feel the impact of selfish or negligent individuals, let’s not drive away the many merchants who have invested their energy and finances to make our community richer and better served. Let’s celebrate a little joy instead of threatening the assets that make our lives here wonderful.

Nick Wemyss

Oak Bay