Editor:
It does not appear, there are a lot of supporters of the present White Rock council. A bit odd, since members were elected not that long ago.
Soon, however, citizens have a say in a new election, and it does not require a lot of imagination to take ‘The City by The Sea’ on a different path to the benefit of both local people and visiting guests.
Think forward, give the environment a chance, be bold and aim for a higher quality of life in the city.
Establish a pedestrian zone from Oxford to Martin. Dig up the paved parking area on that stretch and create something that will benefit the environment and people.
The restaurants can enlarge their patios, patrons do not have to suffer exhaust fumes and noise.
Make room for street vendors, buskers, birds and bees.
Introduce bylaws that limit 18-wheelers making deliveries in the city – introduce smaller electrical vehicles to do the job, like it is done in numerous European cities, which has put a ban on diesel burning transport.
No more commuting in the summer up and down the hills with an old polluting bus.
If people, despite all available science, still think it is better to be motorized than it is to walk, let electrical tuk-tuks do the running. They can supply more summer jobs, and if guests to the beach are unable to manage the trip on their own, let it be free.
Garbage collection is another major contributor to pollution. When could it ever be clever to let strata individually arrange for their own garbage pickup? Why is it a good idea to have multiple trucks on different days drive up and down the streets and collect garbage ? Or have bins sitting out on the streets at all times waiting to be emptied?
Has anybody done a calculation on the difference in emissions comparing it to centralized planning and collection?
In connection with the pier and the promenade there could be outdoor gyms and facilities where it would be possible to fish. All over the city, trees and plants could be introduced, which attract insects and birds.
Increase the pitiful few square feet allotted to indigenous plants in the area, and maintain them. Cedars and lawns do not benefit anyone or anything.
Traditional conservative development and infrastructure with focus on no more taxes has made White Rock into just another North American city, full of asphalt, concrete, glass, noise, air and light pollution. Do not let us realize, that we cannot eat, drink or breathe money like the Cree prophecy says.
We live in a very affluent area. Let us spend more money making it better for us and the next generation if they can ever afford to live here.
Ole Nygaard, White Rock
