Community divides over issue
Our petition states: “We, the undersigned, do not want a library at Willingdon Beach (old arena site). We also want a referendum regarding the new library proposal.” At no time have we said we do not want a Powell River Public Library [“Scrap the new library,” April 4]. People, young and old, signed for various reasons. The petition has always been against the location. The decision must be up to the residents.
We have over 4,500 signatures and are still collecting, protesting the site. We are not going away.
To think there are residents threatening to not shop at stores that support this petition or people who want donations returned for certain fundraising projects is just deplorable. You know who you are. I say “Shame on you.”
Democracy allows us to have our opinion and we should be able to do that without this fear of retaliation.
Gaye Culos
Marine Avenue
Intimidation shows weakness
Imagine you are a business person and your phone rings. Someone implies veiled threats and promises to ruin your business because you had the nerve (I would call it the courage of your convictions) to sign the petition or wear a button supporting the “Not at Willingdon Beach” location for the new proposed Powell River Public Library. I would have never thought that in this country, this city, someone wearing a button could feel so threatened.
Show me even one “Save Willingdon Beach” supporter who has told any business in town that they will boycott them because they want the new library at Willingdon Beach. We have always said this is all about the location, period [“Architects unveil library design,” March 28].
I would suggest the library board of trustees distance itself from the fringe element dragging its cause into the mud.
Cleve Hamilton
Stittle Road
Proposed site central
Joe Dallos stood, cap in hand 30 years ago, asking for some money for the Powell River Public Library. Len Emmonds, former Powell River Regional District Area A director, bluntly stated, “Nobody reads anymore.” I was shocked, being an avid reader.
The old arena site was bulldozed out of the steep adjoining bank for one purpose only: a solid shelf for a new structure. It was never meant to be a part of Willingdon Beach. Try swimming among the barnacled boulders at the bottom of the bank.
Powell River has a beautiful sports/theatre complex, a new state-of-the-art Timberlane track, new Brooks Secondary School with the Max Cameron Theatre, a seawalk, new harbour, and a new “being built” elementary school, but library is still housed in that musty basement [“Architects unveil library design,” March 28]. They have to throw out the old books to make room for the new. Federal and provincial grants will pay for a major part of this project, that will also create much-needed employment.
The site now is just a giant parking lot. As for the “non-central argument,” if everyone could flock to the old arena back then, well I guess they could walk to the new library now.
Don Bowes
Banks Road
