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Learn from previous poor planning

In response to Tony Markle (Letters, PQB News, Jan. 22).
15247787_web1_PQN-Letters

In response to Tony Markle (Letters, PQB News, Jan. 22).

This is the shortsighted thinking I referred to in my article, get a rail system done.

I can remember the Parksville politicians opposition to the inland Island highway, saying it would kill Parksville. Look at the traffic in Parksville now. One can only imagine how bad it would be if those politicians had been able to stop the highway. There is no end to the development going on.

I also remember people in Nanaimo wanting the parkway done right without traffic lights, no matter the cost. The government didn’t listen. Look at the congestion there and Nanaimo is still growing.

I have always said the Malahat needs another route. There is the abandoned CN line a lot of people don’t know about. I echo Dave Taylor’s article, cost of rail service worth it. A creative mind and some careful planning could include walking and biking trails. Would also open the Island to tourists.

Not worried about the rest of B.C. Lots of areas are dealing with their own transit issues. The Island has a chance with the E&N corridor to do something right.

I grew up in Australia with a good rail and bus system and could get anywhere I need to go. I have travelled to the UK and France and used their systems. We could learn from them.

Turning the rails to trails is not as simple as paving the beds between the rails. I know the beds around Bowser and Deep Bay need to be redone. I’m sure lots of other areas are as bad.

All the rail bridges around Cameron Lake to Port Alberni need replacing. Many millions to do all that.

Cars whether electric or fossil fuel are not going away. Would like to know what Tony’s solution would be as the population and the number of cars grow. More roads and bridges at millions of dollars.

Let’s learn from other countries. Get a complete system that works together to move people well into the future.

Let’s learn from previous poor planning. Do it right.

John Large

Deep Bay