Your recent article “Parksville waterfront project in the works” (The NEWS, May 2) has put the citizens of the City of Parksville on due notice that their view of B.C.’s supernatural waterfront is an endangered species.
In the absence of any City of Parksville master plan to establish an environmentally-friendly cityscape to our community that is a truly welcoming tourist and hospitality centre, as well as being a health resort, Parksville is to be programmed by the real estate industry’s vision of the highest and best use of city space.
Your article indicates that our city is about to be planned by the likes of Alex Watson, chief operating officer of IAG Developments who told The NEWS that he is going through discussions/meetings with City of Parksville staff to obtain his project development permit for the 161 Island Hwy. East development site. This project, subject to the approval of mayor and council, will effectively ensure that all further Parksville waterfront development will be modelled on the Honolulu high-rise design that shuts off the beach area by a five-block concrete jungle.
Let’s not confuse realty development with civic progress. I suggest therefore that the challenge for our current mayor and council, as the voice of the people, is “to take council” with the people and come up with a city plan that makes the boardwalk its centrepiece connected from the Bay Avenue steps in the north with linkages through to Rathtrevor Park in the south, together with the greening of the coastal highway for all to enjoy.
Then, and only then, can Parksville open up a meaningful dialogue with all would-be developers on the future of life in our city on Vancouver Island.
Phil Gates
Parksville