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Letters to the Editor: May 18, 2011

Accessibility affects voting I think we should all be grateful to the people who helped out on election day [“Elections Canada office opens,” April 6]. They provide a very important service to the community.

Accessibility affects voting

I think we should all be grateful to the people who helped out on election day [“Elections Canada office opens,” April 6]. They provide a very important service to the community. However, the organizers appear to have overlooked one important area and that was access for the physically disabled.

I took my 91-year-old mother, who has difficulty walking, to vote. There were only three handicapped parking spots and a lineup of cars waiting for one to become free. When we did make it to Powell River Recreation Complex arena I was surprised to learn that there weren’t wheelchairs available, although I understand one was provided later. And the distance to go to the voting tables was very daunting.

Given the demographics of our city, I would have thought that this aspect would have been given more attention.

I hope that in future elections the needs of this segment of our population will be considered.

Carmen Kuczma

Saskatchewan Avenue


Election musings

The recent federal election was quite an event in which mudslinging and allegations of wrongdoing occasionally got out of hand [“Weston campaign refutes claim,” April 29]. Now that it is over I hope all parties can work together to help build a better country for all Canadians in the years ahead.

On a recent trip to Powell River I ran into someone I knew who wondered why I hadn’t been kicked out of the country. I just ignored him and walked on. Later, I speculated that the reason for his remark was probably based on my brief presence at a house party which I left as soon as I realized it was going to get out of hand.

In any small town an untrue gossip can affect anyone. It also could have affected my chance of getting re-elected in the 1974 federal election.

Apart from all that, I truly appreciated my life in Powell River and the friendships I have known over the years. It’s a great place to live and it’s possible that I may return to spend the few years that I have left.

Harry Olaussen

Vancouver, BC


No surprise

The decision rendered by Justice Peter Voith should come as a surprise to no one [“Court rules against friends,” May 11]. Voith is gainfully employed by the province of British Columbia. You cannot tell your employer what to do and expect to retain your job.

Steve Perkins

Blair Road, Texada Island


Outstanding opera

John Silver and Jacquie Dawson are to be congratulated for another great opera season live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York [“Opera lover voices support for series,” December 5, 2007].

The transmissions are wonderful and the behind-the-scenes activities and interviews give one a full appreciation of the work involved in producing opera. The close-ups of the cast show how versatile those international opera stars are—they are not only great singers, but also outstanding actors.

What a great opportunity for our small community to see live opera on such a grand scale. Too bad that few teachers or students of music and drama or members of our many choirs take advantage of this wonderful experience. You don’t know what you’re missing.

It was inspiring to learn that some people from Courtenay made an overnight trip to see Die Walkure.

I just hope that Powell River, once designated the Cultural Capital of Canada, does not lose this wonderful program due to poor attendance. Please give it your support.

Helen G. Evans

Manitoba Avenue