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LETTERS: Large group wants growth

Editor: Re: Memorial delay ‘not going to be cheap,’ Oct. 25.

Editor:

Re: Memorial delay ‘not going to be cheap,’ Oct. 25.

The Semiahmoo First Nation’s action stalling the Memorial Park redevelopment represents a tremendous failure.

The process leading to design and engagement of the general contractor afforded anyone ample time to express concern and not wait until the 23rd hour after contracts were signed. The White Rock taxpayer now must suffer extra cost and delay.

The matter was gleefully seized on by the old icons of the anti-growth movement who want this city imprisoned into a status-quo position, which is a position of paralysis. Any group with an axe to grind at city hall should be careful when aligning their interests with this faction because in White Rock there is a large group in the centre who want things to happen.

In this case, as well as others, these growth opponents seem aware of things said during in-camera council meetings, which suggests there may be a councillor or two who divulge confidential matters. White Rock council always seems to have one or two members who, instead of reaching out to the broad middle range of opinions, so as to get things done, pander to their core supporters.

Finally, it is interesting that PAN had staff at the Memorial Park sod-turning equipped with a video camera to catch the action. Was this fortuitous or had the PAN been tipped off that something was going to happen?

(Editor’s reply: As reported, Chief Harley Chappell posted a critical comment on an online PAN article the night before the groundbreaking. We reached out the next morning and were told he was on his way to the ceremony.)

Dale Mumford, White Rock