In-towner explanations
I am responding to the viewpoint by Cindy Ling on January 28.
I share (self-described redneck) Ling’s concerns to some degree but the viewpoint cries out for a “tongue in cheek” response.
Ling mentions coming in early from “south of town” to avoid dealing with the rat race in the parking lots. Well, this is how we “in-towners” get our exercise. After exiting our car we must make several very quick 180-degree neck turns to clear traffic (equal to a chiropractic visit) then we must make a hurried dash across the lane which may be interrupted by back exercises in picking up a less fortunate senior (usually a late “out-of-towner” shopper) who didn’t quite make it, and finally we get to the grocery store where Ling claims the isles are plugged with shopping carts with people visiting. Well, truth be known, for anyone paying attention, these are not us locals; we leave the early morning shopping to outsiders and it is them who use the early morning shopping to meet neighbours only seen once a week thus cluttering up the isles.
Now, as for the gas station situation, Ling admits to pulling up way too far with a full size truck, which Ling realizes does not allow much room for a person parking in front of the store. Isn’t filling jerry cans illegal? I think Ling should check this out as the truck is then being driven through our congested town like a loaded gas bomb. I think that, Ling, is more than just inconsiderate.
I am amazed Ling finds it convenient to come to town at all knowing it costs at least $1 per mile (all costs in). There are grocery stores “down south” and gas stations. Why not support these folks who live “out of town” and left this concrete jungle for the same reasons Ling did?
Ling was brave enough to sign the viewpoint so I will do likewise.
Jack Hildebrand
Hazelton Street
Rescue boat should be available
I am writing this letter in regard to “Conservation officer’s effort saves man but not friend,” January 28.
I would like to ask Powell River Regional District Board and City of Powell River Council what it is going to take to get a proper freshwater rescue boat for this community’s freshwater lakes? Will it take more boating accidents and the loss of more lives to get a proper 24-foot rescue inflatable boat on a trailer, with a proper radio package that has marine VHF FM and local fire frequencies?
It’s imperative that boaters of this community have this type of rescue boat for nearby lakes that can come to their aid if they are in distress. It’s totally unacceptable that we lack a proper rescue boat for lakes. It’s high time now that both local governments do something before there are more boating fatalities.
Ken White
Harvie Avenue
Escalators could catch on
Last night the poor design of Canadian cities for human activity was discussed on the National. An ex-Vancouver city planner discussed how he had improved the livability of a war-torn South American city by the use of low cost outside escalators. In a number of locations he used multiple flights of them with small community meeting places between each flight.
The city’s economic development manager wants to make Powell River more attractive to seniors and start-up families with young children [“Campaign seeks to attract new residents,” January 14]. We can make use of this idea to provide a unique, green, people transport system between upper and lower Westview. We should have one three-flight escalator system along Courtenay Street between Michigan and Marine avenues and another along Abbotsford Street between Marine and Breton Place. The location of these escalator systems and their community meeting places would completely change foot traffic in the area. The loop would provide a fantastic walk with multiple world-beating views.
To make it even better, use excess hot water from the plant and provide year-round heated covered seating areas along both sides of Marine between these escalator systems.
Currently, the cost of money is very low, especially for infra-system projects where the city’s cost will be less than a third of the total cost. Why not fast track this while we have John Weston as our member of Parliament? He has the best record ever of any MP for getting federal money into Powell River.
Powell River is the “Pearl on the Sunshine Coast.” This escalator system will uniquely help seniors and start-up families. It will also help motivate the overweight among us to walk more, enjoy the view and a chat over a cup of coffee along Marine.
Tom Hobbs
Butedale Avenue
Adult gym prospect
I was excited to read about the prospective adult gym Rotary Club of Powell River Sunrise is proposing for the north end of Willingdon Beach. [“Rotary eyes adult gym,” January 28]. Vernon, where our older daughter lives, has one and it is incredible. I think Powell River would greatly benefit from one of our own. I am behind that 100 per cent.
Dorell Meikle
Spring Brook Road
Preserve natural capital
With all due respect to the spirit and intent of the Powell River Community Forest operation, it is fundamentally flawed [“Powell River Community Forest Ltd. 2014 Annual Report to the Community,” January 21].
Cutting down one forest in order to save another (Millennium Park) is perverse in nature—sort of like snacking on dolphin while watching dolphins perform tricks in an aquarium.
Every single day there are more greenhouse gas emissions in the environment than the day before. Every single day there are less mature standing trees, which sequester carbon and provide oxygen, than the day before. That is a lethal combination.
Our thirst for wood will always be with us. Quenching that thirst should only come in the form of a series of rotating tree farms. In the new age economy, if the city is modern-day serious about its recruitment initiative, with particular attention focused on the youthful, entrepreneurial demographic, then you need to realize they are interested in two things: retained natural beauty and outdoor recreation time.
Building municipal revenue streams derived from sustainable businesses in perpetuity, while continuing to provide financial aid to a myriad of noble causes, is a more sound practice than the current hack and hope approach. Continued clear-cutting provides an impediment to the recruitment drive and is deadly to our environment.
Our greatest asset is the preservation of our natural capital.
Steve Perkins
Blair Road, Texada Island
