Is enough attention being paid to the ever present silent majority? There seems to be a headlong rush into the changing of the name Powell River [“Powell River Regional Hospital District board to contemplate name change,” January 14]. Any surveyors of public opinion know that people in the silent majority are not the type to be writing letters or making phone calls, they simply sit on the sidelines and observe.
Our city is made up of a high percentage of seniors, many of whom don’t participate in the high-tech world of computers and online meetings. Zooming to meetings is an alien notion to them and simply being seniors would make them very cautious about attending public meetings in these difficult times.
Should the powers that be unilaterally impose a name change without adequate public input there is the potential that it would drive a wedge of resentment in this city that may take years to resolve and could result in creating more harm than good in the reconciliation process.
The suggested need for this change, to reconcile the sins of our namesake (Israel Powell) has become a potentially divisive issue, evidenced by the number of letters and commentary appearing from all sides [“Powell River councillors consider city renaming correspondence,” December 2].
Public consultation has been promised but the only public consultation that would truly satisfy the question would be a referendum. I would urge that our city council allow for complete public input on this question and place it on the ballot in upcoming municipal elections. This city has had this name for many years and a few more months could do no further harm.
The other issue is that there are two separate questions that need to be asked. We all know this but it seems no one is recognizing it.
One: “Do we change the name Powell River?” And most would probably assent to this being done.
Two: “What will that new name be?” This question will be the one that could create the greatest challenge.
Perhaps we could start with question number one and based on the outcome, move cautiously and responsibly onto number two, if required.
Jerry Eskes, Park Avenue
Powell River
