A recent Peak article described the formation of a joint committee, members from City of Powell River council and Tla’amin Nation as well as the process going forward [“Process for possible renaming of City of Powell River proceeding,” October 20].
The one element of the process (a critical element) that both city and Tla’amin seem to agree on is to deny the use of a referendum to accurately gauge public opinion.
The majority of city councillors are not in favour of holding a referendum and Tla’amin hegus John Hackett emphatically suggested in his letter to council June 21 that the city should not use a referendum to determine the outcome.
The stage is set. When city representatives repeatedly go to great lengths to describe how and why a referendum would not be required, you can be assured there will be no referendum.
Council has and will suggest that the upcoming information process will allow council to accurately assess public opinion. The public participation sessions will likely have an historically low turnout and will not provide adequate means for individual questions and individual points of view. If city council wants meaningful and accurate public involvement, give the public the vote.
It will therefore be incumbent for all residents to support/advocate for a referendum.
A referendum held in approximately one year during the municipal election would also ensure an appropriate effort is made by the joint committee to involve and enlighten the public to achieve a given result.
The city name change is a significant event impacting all residents and businesses. Regardless of your choice, we all have the right to vote.
City officials should not deny our democratic rights.
Paul McMahon
Invermere Court
