Opinion

Dear Editor, Re: “Homeowner chokes up over loss of eagles,” News, Nov. 30. My New Year’s Resolution: Talk to my neighbours more. I never want to admit to a mistake.

Navigating my way through the mire of holiday consumerism, I’m struck by a thought: why is it that only once a year advertisers and the media focus on the idea of giving to others in need? Think: “Drop off a new, unused toy to (insert store name here

At one time, forests, seemingly endless and eternal, covered much of North America. These forests were occupied by Aboriginal people who understood the symbiotic relationship between humans and the forest ecosystem.

Dear Editor, Re: “Gateway Theatre’s Chinese outreach gets funding boost,” News , Dec. 24. In regards to your article on Dec.

Dear Editor, We have a new neighbour on the corner of No. 4 Rd. and Steveston Hwy. The six-acre parcel of ALR land was recently purchased for more than $3 million.

Dear Editor, Re: “Assessments way too high,” Letters , Dec. 21. Andy Hobbs is correct when he says property assessments are too high. But let us not lose sight of the real problem, which is that our property taxes are too high.

Dear Editor, According to Statistics Canada (2016), the consumer price index increased by 1.5 per cent between 2015 to 2016.

Dear Editor, I think it is time homeowners say no to endless condo construction, when our taxes keep going up. We must endure years of construction and road delays and as a reward, our taxes go up.

Dear Editor, It makes no sense to base the 2017 residential property taxes on the July 2016 inflated housing market peak when prices have clearly since dropped and are expected to fall even further in 2017.

By the time you read this, I’ll be joyful and grateful for all the blessings in my life. I will be filled with laughter and love for those around me ­— and those who aren’t. I will be at peace and attuned to the magic of Christmas Eve.