How to increase tourism
In response to the question of how Powell River should increase tourism in Speak to the Peak [November 30], I find it surprising that the majority of respondents think that if the cost of the ferry would be lowered there would be more tourists.
Tourists don’t care about the cost of the ferry. It is only the residents who are concerned. As a tourist, the ferry is all part of the charm of getting to Powell River. Whenever you are travelling in a different part of the world, you don’t think twice about the cost of paying a toll on a road or a ferry fare, do you? If BC Ferries offered a free service to Powell River there would be no more tourists than we have now.
In order to increase tourism, we must make Powell River attractive to tourists. The town must be beautified with nice curb appeal, excellent signage and lots of it, no derelict abandoned buildings, super customer service in the stores, tour operators for hiking, cycling and boating, boardwalks along the water, bike and walking paths along the highway, just to name a few things.
Powell River is one of the most beautiful places in Canada and has so much to offer tourists through its natural beauty. This natural beauty could be used to sustain this town and make it grow and prosper. Indeed, it is the only thing that can.
Stefan Vreven
Scotch Fir Point Road
Listen to the people
It seems as if City of Powell River council has agreed to a binding referendum on the liquid waste management project [“Politicians stand by promise,” November 30]. This is good news, as the people of Powell River deserve to have their voices heard and respected on this important issue.
On another note, however, I was dismayed that council has gone ahead with design plans for a new library at the old arena site [“Architects compile ideas,” December 7]. Over and over again, the vast majority of citizens of Powell River have stated that we want this land to remain as parkland, not as an elaborate building site with inconvenient access.
I was also concerned that the design team that was hired to develop plans for a new library is based in Seattle. Does council not think there are qualified people in British Columbia who could do the job?
I would humbly suggest that the city not spend any more money on plans for a new library until the citizens have had a say on the site location, of which there are at least two options.
I propose that the above-mentioned referendum have a second question included to deal with the library site selection. In this way, the final decision will be determined in a fair and transparent manner. If cost of the referendum is seen as a problem, I will personally volunteer to tabulate the results for free. So, no argument on that score.
In conclusion, a sober, second look at this whole process of building a new library is necessary before council jumps on its collective horse and madly gallops off in all directions. After all, it is our money we are talking about, if indeed we have any money for this grand scheme in the first place.
Michael Leahy
Manitoba Avenue
