Following are emailed reader responses to stories or letters to the editor for the last week of May 2024. They have been edited slightly for readability. 

Got something you want to add? Send an email to editor Marshall Jones at mjones@infonews.ca.

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To Editor - iNFOnews.ca,

“I am the Lorax who speaks for the trees which you seem to be chopping as fast as you please.”
-- The Lorax, in the 1971 book of the same title by Dr. Seuss

Item 7.6 on the agenda of Kelowna city council's May 27 afternoon meeting was the "Urban Tree Canopy Enhancement Strategy Update": The 2024 draft report of the Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy is found online at here.

This draft report is an important outline of the plans for the future of trees within our city. See: Urban Forest Strategy (May 2024, Draft, 73 pages) Also check out the Climate Resilient Kelowna Strategy here.

I encourage Kelowna residents to take the time to complete the related joint survey. A virtual presentation of the Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy will take place May 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Register to view. On June 6, an in-person open house will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kelowna Downtown Library (1380 Ellis St.)

The Lorax will thank you.

David Buckna - Kelowna

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Kamloops mayor can no longer speak on behalf of city

I say time for new city council. The people voted him in, why do they get to kick him out and take his job? — Jessica Meyn

The council should open their minds to new ideas. Our city is a mess. We voted for him so too bad for the council. We should get rid of the council, many members have been there too long and act like flys against the window. — Christine Pereira

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First Nations blamed for delays on Tranquille redevelopment in Kamloops

If given an inch, they take a mile. The only history that is irreplaceable, is the travesty bestowed upon any patient that was sent there. Shock treatments. This place has no beautiful memories. Time to make this property a thing of beauty and wipe away the horrible past. — Nellie Walraven

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No election deal as leaders of BC United and Conservatives trade scathing comments

I am so surprised that so many voters seem to forget the damage that the BC United, formerly the Liberals, did to BC. The worse decision to me is the horrendous fiasco of the BC Ferries, especially for the Sunshine Coast which was not too bad before Covid when hoards of people moved there but the ferries never improved. Then the tearing down of co-ops with a promise to replace them which never happened. Unfortunately, the majority of the voters of the Interior are conservative (small c) which is a shame as they are truly whiners. — Devon Johnstone

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BC's minimum wage set to increase June 1

My first job was as a cashier in a major grocery store back in Toronto in 1963. I was paid $0.60/h.  I had to first punch in if the item was taxable or nontaxable, second declare which department like meat or grocery sundry and finally punch in the amount of each and every item. These were the old NCR cash registers. I did this all through High School. That was the average wage back then. It took me four years to get to over $2.00/h. My younger sister started at that wage. These cashiers now think they work so hard. They have no idea. We had to also bag each order and put it in the person's cart. The cashiers now just scan the item and push it down the belt for the customer to parcel it and put their own bags in their carts. My, how times have changed. The only store I've seen that will bag your groceries is Save On Foods and they will also put your bags in your cart for you. Now, that's customer service! — Lawrie Sutton

It's long overdue! — Roy Clough

My first wage was .90 cents. Clearly dating myself. Minimum wage needs to be tied to inflation. But it is really hard on small business because as minimum wages go up everyone expects an increase. That being said, I think we need a lower minimum wage based on age. Younger workers at entry level wages would help businesses who usually hire unskilled labor. Just my thoughts.  — Bonnie Derry

Raising the minimum wage will further increase inflation. Employers will be forced to increase the cost of goods and services to cover the raise. The government should lower the income tax paid by the minimum wage earners. Putting more money in their pockets and therefore more  available to put into the economy. Raising minimum wage does the exact opposite. — Bonita (Bonnie) Lundquist

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