Re: “Protection Islanders want say in new marina,” Jan. 22.

Road pricing is a concept appearing more often in the public conversation. With modern technology, microchips and GPS, it is possible to charge for travel on all roads, city or country.

An extension to this ability, the privatization of all roadways, at the stroke of a pen, is now possible. Our mobility would be further restricted by our ability to pay.

Imagine if the long-term granting of private leases to corporations or individuals failed to incorporate our right of access to these roadways. The result of such an omission would be our lives subjected to the wishes of a private business.

This situation is exactly what is being formed by the Nanaimo Port Authority and the Harper government. Protection Island, a subdivision of Nanaimo, will have its only public access replaced by a feudal wall of private ownership. The public boat basin is to be given to a private company for 30 years without enshrinement of public access.

If Canadians wish to retain their freedom of movement, we must resist these backward changes.

David Carter

Protection Island Neighbourhood Association

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