Big plans take vision
I used to think that Vancouver was a beautiful city. The backdrop of a mountainous terrain is certainly grandeur at its best. But now the city is looking like a haphazard collection of dreary stalagmites in 50 shades of grey.
Vancouver worries about population density, yet they want to overflow into the back lanes? Government’s response to the increasing population is to keep pouring money into funding new bridges and transportation in and around Vancouver.
Remember way back in 1938, I was there, when the Lions Gate Bridge was opened to facilitate living in West Vancouver—their choice. It was a business investment by the Guiness family who wanted to profit from their investment both in the bridge and land known as the British Pacific Properties.
Now hold on to that thought of how the Lions Gate Bridge functioned. It attracted an expanding population into a new area.
To achieve BC’s full potential we need a comprehensive transportation infrastructure articulated and implemented.
It comes to mind that a very low fare, or free, ferry service, or new bridge developments would be the ideal first move to enhance accessibility to the coastal regions and, at the same time, decentralize a burgeoning population on the Lower Mainland [“Ferry schedules need to connect,” December 11].
Get it? Instead of dumping millions or even billions of dollars in getting people into Vancouver, switch the support to getting people out. Couple this with lower taxes outside of the Lower Mainland and both people and businesses will move.
All of this would require strategic planning beyond the tactical limits of the election cycle. Are any politicians up to the long-term challenge?
Ted Cooper
Massett Court
Clear representation
I would like to commend the people of Powell River for their admirable conduct at the November 26 meeting regarding ferry service reductions [“Ferry cuts galvanize community,” December 4]. The huge attendance for the meeting was a real testament to the determination and participation of our citizens.
The topic of ferry service affects everyone in our community and emotions ran understandably high. The Town Centre Hotel ballroom, rented by ministry of transport and infrastructure, accommodated 375 people and quickly filled to capacity. It is estimated that there were approximately 600 people who arrived at the hotel for the meeting.
In spite of the fact that many were unable to get in to the meeting room, people were orderly and maintained their respect and consideration for others.
We greatly appreciated Powell River Fire Rescue for being in attendance to assist with crowd control, and BC Ambulance Service for its willingness to be present in case of medical emergency.
Most of all I would like to acknowledge the people of Powell River for proving that strong opinions and arguments can be put forward in an effective manner without a need for the violence and vandalism that seems to occur all too often in other cities.
Shelley Halliday
General manager, Town Centre Hotel
Time to repurpose
In a world where “repurposing” is the new catchphrase, it makes sense to me that we use an existing building that could be renovated to accommodate our new Powell River Public Library [“Infrastructure is higher on the wish list,” December 4].
The church on Alberni Street behind the post office can be bought for less than $700,000. It has parking, an elevator and the location is central for transit. I have a “rustic modern” design in mind. It would embrace Powell River’s forestry history, while being modern and attractive as we move forward. (Please, can we move forward?)
With a second floor added, it could have an open two-storey timber frame grand entrance at the front. The books and shelving could be on the lower level with computers and lounge area on the top floor with a view.
I think the Willingdon south location should be an extension of the beach and park—an outdoor focal point for everyone to enjoy. I would like to see a rock climbing wall with a large common area that can be reconfigured in several ways with bleachers added or removed to accommodate different events and celebrations, from concerts to BMX competitions.
While it is very important to accommodate the seniors of Powell River, it is just as important to provide for our active and vibrant youth—they are the future.
We could also build a replica “hut” that can become our symbol of the Sunshine Coast Trail for permanent promotion to all who visit. Everyone will see all of this and take pride every time they walk or drive by.
We must have a unique and innovative way to market Powell River showcasing the tourism that we are becoming more and more reliant on. We need to think outside the box to stand apart from all the other struggling communities on our coast. The time has come to “repurpose” Powell River. Let’s build something the entire city and all generations can get excited about and share it with the world. If we build it, they will come.
Michelle Hellyer
Frolander Bay Road
Reform Act
Conservative MP Michael Chong has brought forward a private member's bill, "Reform Act," that is an essential first step toward restoring democracy to our parliamentary electoral system and gives individual members of Parliament the right to act according to their integrity and the wishes of their electorate rather than merely acting as a rubber stamp to a party leader.
I hope that Powell River voters urge the local MP, John Weston, to support this bill along with the broad spectrum of MPs from all parties [“Author steps out in riding,” December 11].
This bill in no way obstructs party loyalties but allows a member to voice doubt or even dissent without risking censure or ejection from caucus unlike currently when one member, the leader, can order such action without need for approval from caucus. The party leader can currently also overrule the wishes of the riding association when choosing a candidate, hardly a model of democracy and a situation that must be corrected.
Richard Fahlman
Gillies Bay, Texada Island
BC Ferries owes the community
Talking about the ferry service from Powell River, the community deserves more from BC Ferries’ route from Westview to Little River [“Ferry cuts galvanize community,” December 4].
Powell River suffers a lot and people who need the ferries pay through the roof to go on a holiday. Now medical services are going to be cut, which is very sad for the community.
Powell River is isolated from everywhere, and Texada Island is hurting too. Once the terminals are finished, fares are going to be jacked up again. BC Ferries should provide cut rates for these two communities so the people can enjoy their lives.
Powell River is on the map for lots of events, but with a possibility of a five-hour wait in line for service from Saltery Bay to Nanaimo, who can afford to attend?
Given the season, it would be nice to see a Christmas gift for Powell River from BC Ferries and the provincial government. Think about the people who cannot afford to take care of their own needs, people who require medical transportation, or people on income assistance.
Clifford Lang
Squamish, BC
Rethink site
As a resident living just above the proposed building site for the new fire hall, I was saddened to read that just three votes sealed the fate for Squatter’s Creek [“Council approves fire hall site,” December 11].
Just a few years back in the official community plan for Powell River, that 14 acres was designated park status and here just a short time later we see that it will be sacrificed for development. It is one thing when there are no other options, but as stated in the Peak article, there is a viable alternative.
I own two dogs and would not have come to know those woods as intimately as I do if not for them. We run and explore and breathe the wonderful air that this tree-filled lung provides for us. It is a place of birds and bird songs, deer and fawns in the spring. It occasionally sees black bears retreat into it and raccoons. Why do we feel we have the right to take all this away and plunk down another building?
I am not disputing the need for another fire hall and I am the first to applaud the great work of Powell River Fire Rescue, but I have to ask, on behalf of what few green spaces are left in the heart of the city, City of Powell River councillors and mayor reconsider this decision.
Penny Gelber
Redonda Avenue
