College Students Will Appreciate Sound of Sirens

(published in the Comox Valley Record, December 4, 2012)

Dear editor,

I was recently at a neighbourhood Christmas party and the dinner topic turned to ‘the best location for the new hospital.’

Dave said that he wrote a letter to the editor stating that the latest location was bad but they wouldn't print his letter. I asked why not?

He said it was because he called the decision-makers ‘dumb asses.’

As I later reflected on what others at the table described as better locations, I then realized that the location next to NIC is in fact a great location.

Dave stated that Ryan Road and Lerwick will no doubt become the busiest and most dangerous traffic intersection locally. Hey, Dave, they won’t have far to go to get emergency care.

And with such a busy intersection the police will be able to give out many tickets without having to travel to more remote areas.  A more congested North Island College (NIC) campus will mean more parking spots. You know, all those trees have become such an eyesore, so it will be nice to see them gone along with the odd cougar, bear and locals walking their dogs.

Getting rid of the neighbouring playing field is a good idea — better to spend more time driving to a distant one. Helicopters flying in with patients will provide a pleasant distraction.

What about this idea that not enough land will be available for the new hospital? No problem, they just have to build more underground. We don’t get that much sunlight here in the winter so what is the big deal?

The students will come to appreciate the sounds of sirens to supply that needed break from their studies or paying attention in class.  Those living near the hospital, every time they hear a siren, will be happy to say: "I’m glad that’s not me in that ambulance.”

And for those who are getting tired of that small town feeling they thought they were catching by living in that local area: Don’t worry; it will soon be gone.