Case for brownfield not green
Given that there is not yet any funding allocated for a new fire hall in Westview, and given that Westview contains acres of dead shopping malls, wasteland and other degraded property, why shoehorn the new building into a site that requires burying more of Squatter’s Creek and disturbing a perfectly viable forest habit that is quietly sharing the downtown with us humans, just to save the cost of the lot [“Fire hall replacement,” October 15]?
Yes, the issue was decided last December and the planning and permits are in place, but why not have a better look for a satisfactory and affordable property that is already paved over?
The lot in question buffers the designated park area immediately to the south, and because it is not open to Barnet Street adds a surprising degree of quiet and remoteness to that beautiful adjoining area.
Ted Crossley
Hammond Street
Ottawa strong
After five years in Powell River I woke up this morning wishing I was home; my home of nearly 50 years until I came here: Ottawa. The sadness is overwhelming. That such a young hero, Nathan Cirillo, could be gunned down standing on guard for all of Canada, and yes, the “Unknown Soldier” is almost too much to bear [“Weston recalls terrifying day in Ottawa,” October 29].
I have laid wreaths and poppies on that very spot he died. It’s truly sacred ground. I attended many Remembrance Days and the official opening of the War Musem and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Last year here in Powell River, November 11 was truly a sight to behold. It seemed like half the town was there. I suspect this year will be even larger.
Lest we forget.
Cleve Hamilton
Stittle Road
Library requires space
Powell River Public Library is a bastion of creative programming and resources, innovative enough to win the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. The library is bursting at the seams with free information that is available, in a myriad of formats, to any citizen in the municipality or regional district [“Library site doors open,” October 22].
Volunteers and staff continue to research and implement yet new ideas for knowledge sharing that go way beyond books or computers. Take a moment to look at the website; the offerings are impressive.
National library associations throughout the world acknowledge the growing importance of the library as place—or base—for teaching, learning, and research in the digital age. A strong community needs a vibrant library, which Powell River has. But that library requires a suitable space that allows adaptation to societal and technological changes while providing a welcoming ambiance for all, which Powell River most certainly does not have.
The current library space is an impediment to the resource collection, programming and overall adaptation that can continue to happen, as there is little space for books, let alone computers, amenities, or workshops. It is an impediment to enticing children and youth to experience the magical world that opens when they immerse themselves in learning. It is an impediment to attracting and retaining high quality citizens that are necessary for the economic stability of our community. I’ve known of professionals who, when first arriving to Powell River, walked into the library and burst into tears at the thought that this was representative of the new community they were joining.
It is time for a new library space for Powell River. One should never judge a book by it’s cover, indeed, but nor could one fit War and Peace into a People magazine.
Wendy Cocksedge
Library Trustee
Calculating gasoline
Can someone explain this mathematic question?
Gasoline price drops 30 cents per litre in Vancouver. Meanwhile, in Powell River, some gas stations dropped the per litre price six cents.
Where did the other 24 cents per litre go [“Fueling discontent,” July 29, 2009]?
Edward Verhagen
Sycamore Street
