I would like to comment on Martha Wickett’s report, Neskonlith call for flood assessment before development of SmartCentres.
Thanks, and congratulations to Chief Judy Wilson, for your tenacity in insisting that the City of Salmon Arm council consult with you, and your band council, before making a decision with regard to SmartCenters proposed development.
Hopefully Mayor Bootsma and the council will finally, if not reluctantly, step up to the plate.
Thanks also to Bonnie Thomas for accepting the position of project manager, to implement her mother, Dr. Mary Thomas’ dream.
“I want people to be whole again, through co-operation and understanding among all people,” she said.
I would encourage all residents of Salmon Arm to make her dream, our dream. Let us get fully behind this project. It is one of the best suggestions I have heard to bring wholeness to our community.
Then I read Salmon Arm will finally have its casino. Now we see plans in the works to develop First Nations land next to the Mall at Piccadilly on the old GM lot just off the highway. This is one facility that is probably the last item on my list of services my community needs. I wonder how many have similar thoughts? I am familiar with numerous comments both pro and con. However, as I am an active supporter of implementing Dr. Mary Thomas’ dream, it would sure help if everyone in Salmon Arm, native and non-native alike, was consulted before a decision was made to build a casino in our midst. This is especially because it has a distinct potential to negatively affect everyone in our mutual communities. Our situation reminds me of a kindergarten saying, “What is good for the gander, is also good for the goose.” May I also add, “good for the goslings, to the seventh generation.”
Dan MacQuarrie
