Library location makes no sense
It was wonderful to read that Powell River Public Library is requesting proposals to design a new library [“Library seeks architect,” October 12]. We all agree that it is long overdue, but a huge surprise it will actually happen.
My question is why did City of Powell River council select the old arena site as the preferred location? We have read numerous letters to the editor with excellent reasons why this is not a good idea. Suffice to say that the taxpayers have repeatedly stated they do not want the library built there.
The sensible location is the property next to the RCMP station on Barnet Street. The land is flat, is convenient to shopping and buses and a central location for seniors and students alike.
The old Arena Site must be left for public use. It is our only waterfront parkland left in Powell River. It is a piece of prime waterfront property and should be kept for all to enjoy.
A library building does not require an ocean view. We are reading, browsing for books, studying, using computers, et cetera, not sitting looking out the window.
It is also shocking to think of a parking lot being built there because the one next to that site is too small now and is not a flat surface.
Let’s do it right this time and not make the mistake of building the library on the old arena site.
Ann Hrynyk
Garibaldi Place
Gas prices are unreasonable
My question is why are our gas prices in Powell River so much higher than in Courtenay [“Fueling discontent,” July 29, 2009]?
Two weeks ago I went to Courtenay for a doctor’s appointment and found that gas was only $1.089 and here in Powell River it is still $1.319, a difference of $0.23 per litre.
Not liking this I called my MLA’s office to ask why. I was told that BC government does not have anything to do with gas prices. I was given the federal government phone number to call as it is suppose to know about this.
It in turn told me I had to call the BC government who in turn gave me the phone number to someone in Fort St. John about the pricing. They agreed with me that it is not right, but said I had to call the BC government. They also told me that their gas price is $1.23 and thought our prices would be much lower.
This leads me to wonder whether gas companies are running our government.
I am still left with my question of the $0.23 difference. We are already penalized by the high costs of BC Ferries.
Ben Alcock
Black Point Road
A mayor with two faces
Apparently we have two mayoral candidates namedStewart Alsgard in this election [“Alsgard seeks fifth term as mayor in 2011,” September 21].
The one running in November claims to be all about public participation and listening to the citizens. I recall another mayor of the same name who was all for co-treatment with Catalyst Paper Corporation, who was part of a previous council that threatened legal action against members of the community who dared to speak and ask questions. Will the true Mr. Alsgard please stand up?
With this type of two-facedness, I suspect the provincial Liberal Party will come calling soon. That is exactly the type it seems to want.
Cameron Bailey
Huntingdon Street
Smart meter ploy
While I agree with the thrust of Peter Kazakoff’s letter on the hysteria [“Time for a science and math review,” October 19], my deep issue with these so-called smart meters is the agenda behind them. I see this as a cash grab, pure and simple, by BC Hydro also known as the BC Liberal Party.
Painful experience to date has shown the Liberals have no regard whatsoever for the citizens of this province other than major corporations. Anything it is pushing as good for us is bound to be bad. It continues to hype the savings gleaned, but for whom? I am willing to bet my hydro bill will increase as will the bills of most other citizens of this province.
Keep in mind how wonderful the HST was and how it was going to save us bundles. A very reliable rule of thumb is: you can always tell when the Liberals are being untrue...their lips move.
Cameron Bailey
Huntingdon Street
Contentious election issue
This year’s civic election is almost upon us. The most contentious issue for some time now, in our community, has been the liquid waste management plan (LWMP) and the proposed co-treatment service agreement with Catalyst Paper Corporation, where the City of Powell River would have its waste water treated in the paper mill’s facilities for half a million dollars per year rather than treat it in our own facilities.
Leaving the specifics of that issue aside, the main thing that my wife Jan and I have learned during the LWMP process is that our present city council, while they may have done good work in certain areas during their current term in office, and we do appreciate that, have failed us when the most fundamental concept of democracy as put before them [“Councillors clash with mayor over surprise motion,” October 12].
That concept is simple. When one wishes citizens to take ownership of any action or decision, one must engage them, seek their opinions and views and in the end, ensure that the citizens decide the matter.
Recently, Mayor Stewart Alsgard did what a leader should do when a subject such as the co-treatment issue has become so divisive in our community. He attempted to facilitate the opportunity whereby citizens could decide the co-treatment question with a binding vote.
Council, on the other hand, has done everything possible to prevent the mayor’s initiative from succeeding.
Jan and I would urge all those who care about democracy in our community, to support the re-election of Alsgard and remove from office councillors Dave Formosa, Chris McNaughton, Jim Palm, Maggie Hathaway, and Debbie Dee, and replace them with our friends and neighbours who have let their names stand for city council.
Jan and George Orchiston
Joyce Avenue
