Editor:
Re: White Rock opts to explore P3 for more ice, Jan. 13.
White Rock city council, with the exception of Coun. Helen Fathers, seems bound and determined to twin Centennial Arena, despite city staff’s recommendation to abandon the idea.
My objections to this notion are many, but predominant is the loss of the very old trees.
These same trees were threatened some years ago when the White Rock Tennis Club applied for a permit to cut them down in order to make space for a new court. Citizens in the area organized against this, knocking on doors for petition signatures, engaging people on the street and raising the issue in council.
For my own part, I hired a UBC geologist who made a thorough inspection of the area and adjacent ravine, then provided his professional report, which spoke urgently against any such activity taking place. That report will be in the archives and applies today.
While I appreciate that the two sporting organizations need more ice, their need does not justify the loss of the Semiahmoo Arts building, relocation of the off-leash dog park and destruction of 40-50 mature trees. The financial burden is another thing, and staff recommendation to “not proceed with the initiative” is sound.
Alternately, Coun. Grant Meyer’s suggestion to see a P3 option made available to the “right developer” would not cancel or avoid the aforementioned losses.
Fathers and city staff have it right.
Mary Garner, White Rock
