A Vancouver Island mayor says license plates from elsewhere in Canada may belong to military personnel and their families who have recently moved to the area.
Town of Comox Mayor Russ Arnott, says residents might be seeing out-of-province license plates that actually belong to military members recently posted to nearby CFB Comox. He says this is the time of the year when recently posted military members move into their new communities.
“While there is much angst out there with out-of-province plates, please understand that these folks are new to our community and may be under many stresses that come with being posted,” Arnott, who is also a housing manager with the Canadian Forces Housing Agency, wrote on Facebook.
RELATED: Horgan advises drivers with non B.C. plates to take bus to avoid harassment
The Department of National Defence also took to social media to inform the public that many Canadian Armed Forces members are currently relocating to various postings across Canada.
“We want to advise that members of the #CAF and their families are on the move and could be showing up as residents in your neighbourhood,” the department wrote on Twitter, adding. “If you see an out of province license plate or some new faces please make them feel welcome.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many have expressed concerns about out-of-province license plates on Vancouver Island. Premier John Horgan recently suggested drivers with non-B.C. license plates should consider taking public transit if they don’t want to be harassed.
However, Arnott is urging Comox residents not to be judgemental when they see license plates that aren’t from British Columbia.
“Let’s give our military folk the benefit of the doubt and welcome them to our awesome community. They are always there for us. Let’s be there for them,” he wrote.
MORE: Campbell River RCMP urge people to be calm and kind when they see vehicles with U.S. license plates
Hello! We want to advise that members of the #CAF and their families are on the move and could be showing up as residents in your neighbourhood/town soon. If you see an out of province license plate or some new faces please make them feel welcome. We’re honoured to serve you! 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/VqP2u7czzy
— National Defence (@NationalDefence) July 30, 2020
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