Re: Council earmarks $510,000 for Pandora Green upgrades (News, March 23)
I wish to make it clear that I’m very pleased that the city will finally be going ahead with long-promised improvements on Pandora Green, particularly the proposed pedestrian plaza in front of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
During council’s discussion on these improvements, I questioned whether some of the funding proposed for some aspects of the project (such as lighting a pedestrian pathway) might not be better spent supporting the breakfast program at Our Place.
Unfortunately Wednesday’s article made it sound as if I was suggesting council re-direct all of the funds committed to Pandora Green to Our Place, which was simply not the case.
As I stated during the meeting, we need to take a holistic view of this neighbourhood. Personally, I think that means making necessary improvements to Pandora Green and the area in front of the conservatory in order to create a more pleasant and lively space for residents as well as increasing basic services and hours of operation for the street community that depends on Our Place.
Philippe Lucas
city councillor
Victoria