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Letters to the Editor: November 02, 2011

For all to enjoy Ann Hrynyk thinks the old arena site should be for “public use” and “for all to enjoy” [“Library location makes no sense,” October 26]. I couldn’t agree more—that’s exactly why it’s the perfect place for the new library.

For all to enjoy

Ann Hrynyk thinks the old arena site should be for “public use” and “for all to enjoy” [“Library location makes no sense,” October 26]. I couldn’t agree more—that’s exactly why it’s the perfect place for the new library.

A public building, such as a library, should be built on a beautiful waterfront location where everyone can enjoy the views and surroundings. Just because it’s a place of learning doesn’t mean people are totally unaware of their surroundings when they are there. A library is one of the few indoor places in society where people can go almost any day of the week, free of charge, be warm and dry, read a book, magazine or e-reader, use a computer, study, or if they feel so inclined…enjoy the view. It is a place of belonging—a place where all people belong—regardless of income, age, education, ability, religious beliefs or social status.

Hrynyk describes the property next to the RCMP station as the “sensible location” because it’s flat and convenient to shopping and buses. As a wheelchair user I know about the benefits of flatness, however that doesn’t mean I want to spend my life surrounded by parking lots, strip malls and fast-food joints. Our buses have wheelchair lifts and there’s no reason a library needs to be convenient to shopping.

I love Willingdon Beach just as our ancestors did when they built the old arena. There is room for both Willingdon Beach park and a beautiful new library. I look forward to having a well-designed community building intermixed with the wonderful scenery we all know and love.

Kaia Sherritt

Abbotsford Street


Dog hit on Padgett Road

On a cold, dark Friday evening, a curly blond dog lay on the shoulder of Padgett Road, just past the Gunther Road intersection. He seemed dead to me but while examining his collar for identification he shivered, breathing shallow, with just a small blood spot on his leg. Two vehicles stopped to help while an elderly lady made her way along the road with her flashlight toward the dog who was basked in my headlights. A young man gently stroked the dog’s fur, talking softly. My emergency light’s blinking did not slow down the speeding cars as they swooshed on by [“Safe trail use,” May 11]. The vet was phoned and carefully we placed the injured still shivering animal in a vehicle, covered him with a blanket and arrangements were agreed upon getting the owner to the vet.

The dog managed to survive the night and after recognizing its owner, the decision was sadly made to put him to sleep as it would not survive the injury. It was heartbreaking as he was only a four-year-old, shy pet. He now rests a few feet from where the accident happened.

Shame to the speeding driver who hit the dog. Shame on you for not stopping. Yes you were speeding excessively as you broke the dog’s neck. And you took a cherished and beloved pet from a caring person. Shame on you.

Heidi H. Sullivan

Evergreen Road


Occupy inconvenience beyond comparison

Suggesting that the Occupy movement has gone a little too far is, quite bluntly, kind of offensive [“What are your thoughts on the Occupy movement?” October 26].

It’s amazing the reckless behaviour we have tolerated from banks and other financial institutions as well as multi-national corporations and governments (to the point of financial collapse), but we find a little tent city to be quite naughty.

Ron Koros

Westview Avenue


Risks too great with meters

Many corporations are fully capable of placing profits before human safety and even life. BC Hydro does not give us the right to say no to the installation of its controversial smart meters [“Hydro representatives extol meters,” October 26]. It is clear from the reports coming in that Hydro is not telling the truth when it tells us how safe the meters are. I really object to BC Hydro talking to me as if I am a baboon incapable of rational and critical thinking.

I have concerns about over-charging, electrical fires, and health concerns from the meters. I do not feel comfortable in knowing I will be bathed night and day with 50,000 hertz of microwaves which is 100 times greater exposure than cell phones. Note too that cell phones, unlike the smart meters, do not turn your house into one big microwave unit as it runs through the electrical grid of your house. Sorry but I refuse to be forced to live in a Suzy bake oven. Hydro says the meters only broadcast microwaves a few times a day; this is a lie because people have testers that say different.

Smart meters are dangerous, yet we have no option of saying no to installation. Remember this when you are voting for local councillors. Are they for us having the right to say no to BC Hydro, or do they endorse and support BC Hydro’s unwarranted jackboot diplomacy? Let your vote speak to them.

Richard Vizzutti

Harvie Avenue