Navigating Highway 62 and 1

A lot of accidents are occurring at the intersection of County Rd 1 and Hwy 62 in spite of the flashing light. Almost every day, police and ambulances go by, sirens blaring.

Within the past 11 days, at least one car was hit broadside, another had their front end taken off.  

It is a very busy and confusing intersection for the many tourists and locals re: who has the right of way. 

A roundabout may eventually be created but in the meantime, a sign indicating it is a high collision intersection might prevent accidents or save lives.

M. Tripp, Prince Edward County

Sandbanks Reconsiders 

I recently wrote  to air a grievance regarding a parking ticket acquired at Sandbanks Provincial Park. I admitted my fault according to the letter of the law, but lamented the immovability of the Park Ranger in assessing and applying the spirit of that law. I had a permit, but had forgotten to display it (a fineable offense). I was wrong, but I asked for consideration. The Ranger who issued the ticket decided not to reconsider.

I went to the bank to get a money order, because who still has cheques? To add insult to my injury, the teller wished me a pleasant rest of my stay. I thought she knew me! I certainly knew her. But this is a symptom of small-town life when town isn’t as small as it used to be. I also wrote a letter with the money order, and a letter to you, our dear editor of the local paper.

To my surprise, I received a call from a supervisor saying they received the letter. Following a brief and pleasant conversation, she told me the matter was “under consideration.”

To my further surprise, she called last night. In short, I was in the wrong and ticket was justified. I agree. But, she said, she could see we are frequent visitors (we camp there for a week every year even though it’s in our literal back yard) and she felt some consideration could be shown. She agreed to not take the ticket back, but void it, and return the fine. Everyone wins. 

I’d like to thank the staff at Sandbanks for the excellent work they do in maintaining the park our family enjoys all year round, and for their consideration in this matter. 

But I’m still upset tha the bank teller thought I was a tourist, so at least I still have that to warm me through the anticipated cold winter nights. 

Andrew McLuhan, Prince Edward County

Kudos

Just a note to the editor to tell Karen Valihora how glad I am to read her editorials. Their informed and incisive writing, and good-hearted passion, are the equal to anything on comparable subjects from the Globe, the Guardian, the Economist, the Star, Reich, or Wells, so far as this, their longtime subscriber, is concerned. Geddes’ “think global, act local” sure seems a dancing slipper made just for you — brava, Madame!

May the team at the Gazette long keep us looking forward to each new issue. 

John Dixon, Waupoos and Toronto 

Granola Wars Continue Unabated in Smug Alberta 

Reeling from unsolicited granola attention, I burned a batch. I added too much honey. I was also reading my Gazette while stirring the precious large-flake, old-fashioned oats.

Now, having revisted my original recipe, (from Lynn, not John) today’s batch is perfect, topped with juicy slices of Okanagan peach.

Anne Fanning, stirring the pot in Edmonton