Editor, The Record:
Re: Making the business case for waterfront development, June 30 edition.
Notwithstanding so-called citizen participation, it is being driven by business profits. Surely, the few natural areas left close to waterways and the enlarging population, should be protected from those whose primary bottom line is profit.
The area in question is part of the flood plain. There are many reports from various sources cautioning about the changing levels of the Fraser, as well as the temperature rise. These present a danger not only to humans in the area, but to the salmon, sturgeon and other creatures in the river, as well as the surrounding wildlife and eco-systems.
It was a few years ago that even the United Nations issued a statement that countries should no longer develop in flood plain areas due to rising water levels from melting ice caps. No doubt mankind must also take responsibility for removing much of the greenspace of the world, which provided many cooler areas around wild water sources which feed our rivers.
Further, we are shown newscasts of the destructive powers of raging waters flooding various communities downstream, not only in other countries around the world, but in other Canadian areas.
What will it take for this municipal council to say enough, and no more development on or around the shores of the Fraser? To view what could be done in such an area, there is an eye-opening photo in the June 2011 issue of Elle Decor magazine, which shows part of a large grassy beach at English Bay, Vancouver, with about a hundred people standing, or sitting on blankets or towels, observing the sunset. Behind this section of the beach, there is a dense line of large green trees, and almost out of view behind that, one could see a few tall buildings from the downtown area. Those officials in the past who protected “waterfront” areas for future generations of citizens, wildlife and other eco-systems, are to be commended for their foresight. Once those areas are destroyed — be it for financial, tourist or other development — they will be gone forever.
Lila Rauh
Mission
