It had to be disappointing for rally organizers that so few people turned out to their event on Sunday, May 27.
Huge amounts of time and energy have been expended by a group opposed to a new library being located on oceanfront property south of Willingdon Beach.
Organizers were buoyed by more than 5,000 signatures on a petition stating that those people did not want a library to be built on the site. They gave people another opportunity to demonstrate their dissatisfaction.
An hour into the event, only 80 people listened to speeches. It may be easier to sign a petition than to take the additional step of attending a rally in person.
Copies of the petition, which is available for viewing at city hall, were posted at the rally site. Some concerns have been expressed about the names included on the petition, whether or not they are people who live in the region or what their ages may be. Enthusiasm for numbers may be overcoming ensuring signatures come from voters.
The issue has become a divisive one for the community, clouded by accusations of intimidation and disrespect coming from both sides.
One problem may arise because of the group’s chosen name—Save Willingdon Beach. The beach is not in danger and does not need to be saved. A separate piece of property next to the beach is where the proposed library will be located.
The library project is going along a process that began in 2009.
Each step along the way has been publicized with opportunity for input.
A site from among nearly 30 was chosen and now a design and its costing has been provided.
Even with the controversy around the site, the biggest challenge in obtaining a new library lies in the future and that’s finding funding. Should there be a shortfall that requires a referendum, voters in both City of Powell River and rural areas in Powell River Regional District will have their say.
At the end of the process, we will be celebrating a new library or looking at the status quo. Either way, we need to keep living together in a small community of citizens with differing ideas.
Emotions must be controlled so the situation does not continue to escalate.
In a democracy, the overriding tenet is the right of the minority to be heard and the right of the majority to rule. We may not agree with an opposing view but must never lose sight of a person’s right to hold that opinion.
Passion has the power to accomplish change or destroy communities. We would hope that the passion on each side of the library location issue will be funneled into making a positive contribution to the well-being of our city. And passion is always more powerful when it is tempered with reason.
