Trail pioneer
I am writing to comment on the Viewpoint by Morris Moser in the Peak, July 20 [“Along the trails”].
Whilst I also do not like criticism of volunteers, I think it should be noted that Helmut Godau was a founding member of the BOMB (Bloody Old Men’s Brigade) Squad back in 1988.
Godau worked very hard indeed over his many years of membership, both on the physical side and and organizing. He was, what we used to call, “The Gardener,” as he was so keen on keeping the trails in good shape and well signed. Most of the signs that were installed at that time were of his making and he did a very good job. He was sorely missed when he and his family moved over to Nanaimo.
Unfortunately, on an aside, Godau has recently had a serious stroke and is presently in Nanaimo General Hospital.
Roy Hewitt
Ex BOMB Squad member
Savary Place
Alternative highway needed
Let’s face it. The ferries are not our highways; however, the upper Sunshine Coast does need a highway to give better access to the Lower Mainland and all points east. It is time to revisit the plan for constructing a new roadway to connect Powell River to Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky Highway [“Road seen as vital to economy,” June 22, 2005].
This dormant plan has been in existence for more than 10 years. It now requires a push to get it activated again. This highway will allow the movement of goods and services to and from mid-Vancouver Island and Powell River thereby bypassing the bottlenecks of the ferries and the traffic congestion of the Lower Mainland.
Amazingly, our elected representatives have neglected the communication needs of business and people marooned on the Sunshine Coast, while they keep throwing money at the congested highways and bridges about the Lower Mainland. It is time to have provincial and federal funding directed to the needs of business and the people of the upper Sunshine Coast and mid-island.
A highway connecting Powell River to the Sea-to-Sky Highway will relieve the dependence the upper Sunshine Coast has on ferries. It will increase opportunities for commerce and business beyond BC’s Lower Mainland.
Thomas Wheeler
Collingwood Way
Recreation raises rates
Gym bag in hand I read the small poster at the entrance to Powell River Recreation Complex, “Price Increase August 1” [“Recreation fees,” July 29 Shopper].
I think to myself, “this is sudden, only three days to the long weekend and I’ve got to buy a pass to save on the hike.” It feels like an abrupt heist. Wouldn’t this increase be better suited in the fall, when summer services are at a reduced level without a reduced rate? Two-per-cent increase August 1, including the two-per-cent increase last year, equals four per cent increase.
The complex bases its rate hikes on regional inflation statistics. I believe we need to be more creative before placing recreation costs back onto the community. The cost of rural family membership will be $50 dollars greater this year than last year. If we are compelled to follow inflation we will soon face an unaffordable choice for exercise and recreation. Youth need a place to go to let off some stress and have fun. We cannot create a financial obstacle to our seniors’ and young people’s needs for health and happiness.
In the end, healthy communities are far more successful communities. Looking long-term, one can see that the future health of our community depends on sustaining equal access to fitness and fun for all.
Adam Cramb
Joyce Avenue
