Having read in the Peak about various Westview Ratepayers Society activities over the past several years [“Membership drive among Westview Ratepayers Society plans,” January 20], I decided to attend a general meeting held at Powell River Recreation Complex on February 10. About 45 people attended the nearly two hour meeting.
Rarely have I been in a room with such a collection of disgruntled, angry and unhappy people. Most of the animus in the room was directed at four city councillors, with Lift Community Services a close second. The personal animosity held toward these two groups surprised and disturbed me.
Our elected officials deserve to be respected for the job they do, whether one disagrees with them or not. They work hard to act on our behalf for not a lot of compensation.
It is okay to hold opposing views on an issue, but I do not discount the humanity of the person I disagree with. I do not plan on bringing 100 people to a council meeting in order to shout down anyone who disagrees with what I am saying.
It was striking to me that the general sentiment in the room was that viewpoints of the society have been ignored by Lift and council. I disagree; their opinions have been heard loud and clear. Many of the people I know just do not agree with their views.
There was also not one specific proposal made to deal with our homeless situation. I do not know what the WRS stands for, but I have a good idea of what they are against.
WRS is a special interest group that represents some homeowners only. I would like for them to consider a name change that more accurately reflects their perspective. I live in Westview and I am not the only homeowner who does not like this group apparently speaking on my behalf.
The plan by at least some members of WRS to merge with Townsite and Cranberry groups is not surprising. Nor is the plan to run a complete slate of candidates in the 2026 municipal election.
I respect each person who took the time to attend this meeting. I believe community activism is a good thing but not at the expense of drowning out other voices. Therefore, I will not be joining WRS.
Richard Armstrong,
Powell River
