Lack of awareness
After reading your Speak to the Peak January 18 [“What’s your opinion on the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project?”], I was surprised and disappointed with the lack of information that some of the responders displayed.
One person seemed to think that the oil would stay here for our consumption. Does he not know that the oil--three tankers a day--is to be shipped through those narrow coastal waterways directly to China? Another seemed to think that Enbridge could be trusted with safety precautions. Enbridge has a truly terrible record for leaks and spills. Some environmental agencies put it at an average of three a week, one of the worst, not very long ago causing a terrific uproar in the United States.
How can a third possibly think that this very risky endeavour could possibly bring jobs to this community?
I wonder how many people have looked at a map to see where these tankers will be travelling. The passage is narrow from Kitimat to the open ocean and full of marine hazards for such big vessels. It passes by pristine wilderness areas including Princess Royal Island, home to the rare white Kermode bears, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Is it worth the very real risk that both pipeline and tankers pose in order to ship huge quantities of our non-renewable resources to a foreign country?
Jennifer MacMillen
Michigan Avenue
Location unsuitable
I wish to add my name to both library patrons and Powell River residents regional and city who are protesting against building a new Powell River Public Library at Willingdon Beach [“Council maintains support for library process,” December 21, 2011].
In the many years a new library has been requested, a site central and accessible has been a requirement. The proposed facility does not meet this need.
One has only to visit libraries elsewhere such as Sechelt, Courtenay and Qualicum, to understand this and appreciate their location.
City of Powell River council members have never stated why they are so adamant that Willingdon Beach is the only site of choice. Until they do so they will continue to invite opposition.
Jacqueline Durling
Douglas Bay Road
Site ideal
I would like to share some thoughts on the new library proposal for the old arena site [“Council maintains support for library process,” December 21, 2011].
I imagine potential new residents/investors arriving to check out Powell River. I see them driving from either ferry terminal along Marine Avenue. The scenery is not encouraging--so many closed/for rent storefronts and buildings in need of care.
Arriving at the intersection of Alberni Street and Marine, looking toward the ocean--a waterfront parking lot (great view) with a few cars, maybe. New visitors do not see the ghost of the old arena.
Now I imagine the same scene (put aside my vision for Marine Avenue) and see a stunning new state-of-the-art library nestled in the parking lot with plenty of green space and unlimited community possibilities.
They now see a community with a vision and a future, so important for anyone seeking to relocate and start a new life.
Given all the controversy it's obvious this site is “the heart of the community” and residents feel strongly about it.
There are many sources for funding, taxpayers being on the bottom of the list, and if the tax bill is going to be exorbitant we can say “no” in a referendum.
Let's give the new library visionaries a chance, embrace the plan we like best and move forward with it.
Roisin Sheehy-Culhane
Sarah Point Road
Solution to housing
Regarding affordable social housing, I would like to make the suggestion that the old abandoned Inn at Westview be converted to apartments. It already has the rooms and bathroom facilities [“Candidates field questions,” November 16, 2011].
It is very central, within walking distance to Powell River Town Centre Mall, medical clinics, pharmacies et cetera.
At present it is an absolute eyesore and does nothing to beautify or enhance Powell River.
Nan Dunn
Sycamore Street
