Two property owners have pitched the idea of creating a park on Third Avenue at Angus Street to replace an empty gravelled lot. Stacey and Franco Gaiga, who also own Ocean Canal Clubhouse across Angus Street from the proposed park, have agreed to put up their own money to develop a little greenspace in Port Alberni’s uptown.
We applaud the move wholeheartedly. Not only will it fill up an eyesore of an empty lot, it will provide some greenspace to the area.
What the city is tentatively agreeing to—mostly labour and maintenance—seems like a small price to pay to support the park initiative. The owners will be footing the bill to build, service and insure the park.
The suggested tax break would offset the fact that the owners would not be able to make money on their investment, and are in fact providing something to the city in exchange—city greenspace.
The initial agreement would be for five years, with an option to renew for 10. Five years to establish and enjoy the park, see how uptown progresses, and decide then whether the park is still a good fit. Five years to prove to ourselves and others that we take pride in our own community.
We should not discourage such initiatives from residents who seek to make our community a more positive place to live. We hope the city remains committed to Central Park, and that citizens embrace the idea of some greenspace uptown.
— Alberni Valley News
