Editor:
Re: Squabbling stalls city’s progress, May 20 letters.
White Rock needs to move forward with a vision that will allow us to be sustainable, which means attracting commerce that draws people.
We need shops mingled in with the restaurants that encourage people to come here all year round.
It is not the pay parking that keeps people away, it is the lack of quality shopping. I am a shopper and I have no problem paying for parking if there is enough to draw me.
Look what Leavenworth in eastern Washington has managed to accomplish to attract people there in the winter. They turned their village into a Bavarian Christmas wonderland with entertainment. November and December is their busiest time, the restaurants overflowing with people. That could happen here easily, if we really wanted to make it happen.
There are so many positive changes that could be made. There are too many “No” signs and not enough “come to White Rock and have good, healthy family fun.” We should have a dog day on the promenade at least once a week, or how about a rollerblading day or skateboarding day.
I think the promenade would be perfect for some fun, family activities. These could take place outside the prime summer months to attract people in the quiet months. How about a nice fall festival on the promenade? How about promoting our hidden treasures like our little walkways and steps throughout the hillside.
The city could spend a little more money on the landscaping in those areas and we should be appealing to energetic people who want a workout and a beautiful place to do it in. We now have an organic cafe and a great juice bar on the strip.
In short, White Rock needs to appeal to all people’s leisure needs. It can be done easily with a little thought and promotion.
The information needs to be put out there to the whole Lower Mainland that we are not just a beach but a destination with multiple choices in activities.
The ideas are endless, let’s just make them happen.
Linda Carvajal, White Rock