Editor:
After reading the articles Homeowners bring Atlin Ave. development concerns to Prince Rupert council and City of Prince Rupert's development plans come under fire, I feel compelled to write this letter.
As a former born and raised Rupertite of 46 years, I am in total agreement with the Warren, Rowse, and Kristmanson families, plus other residents standing opposed to residential developement in Westview Park.
I'm hoping to jog resident's memories of a news article written perhaps 10 to 15 years ago. The author wrote about the significance of Westview Park's rare pristine qualities, dense tree growth, lush vegetation and animal species variety. Those concerned about Westview Park being changed to a residential area have pointed out that the first city survey in 1909 recognized this area as a park, though this remarkable gem has been in existence for much longer!
There are so many unkempt and unsightly buildings and vacant land dotted all throughout Prince Rupert, why would anyone even consider tearing up an eco-forest? Just recently, condemned apartment buildings were demolished on 10th Avenue East. Prior to that, King Edward school was torn down. Sadly - Kanata, Seal Cove and Westview schools all sit empty. These are all conveniently situated near to or right on city bus routes.
I'm lucky enough to have many fond childhood memories of the old CN Park that stood right along the waterfront. One of my friends once made a comment about what a magnificent sight CN Park would have been for tourists arriving on cruise ships entering the harbour. Maybe a mural of what once was and will never be again can be depicted on the back side of the Rupert Square Mall!
On the City of Prince Rupert website - mayor and council - is the tagline: 'Creating a better place to live'. Reading their biographies, city council members are comprised of born-and-raised Rupertites with the remainder having residency ranging between 20 to 56 years. Do city council members ever consider the errors of their predecessors (refer to CN Park paragraph)?
Take a vested interest in what your elected city council members are considering or planning to do on your behalf. Monthly council meetings are open to the public; they're broadcasted (tv and internet), agendas are available, news articles are printed. Rupertites need to stand up, speak out, band together and talk with one another over important issues at hand that affect not only current resident's quality of life but future generations as well.
My husband, Michael, is a born and raised Amsterdamer who has visited Prince Rupert three times. He was totally captivated by the greeness, nature, wildlife and the friendly people of Pr. Rupert. We hope to see positive changes when we return.
Isabel and Michael de Kock
Amsterdam NL