Letters to the Editor: March 5, 2014

Problem no longer exists

I am surprised to see that City of Powell River council is considering reversing its current policy of phasing out the flat tax portion of residential property taxes [Disparity shows in property assessment,” February 19].

The flat tax portion is clearly unfair and results in a greater tax burden for those less able to pay. The city should be using the principle of equity when deciding its tax policy and the phasing out of the flat tax was the right decision.

I would like to remind council that the flat tax was allowed by the provincial government in 1989-90 because the practice of assessing property only every two years resulted in dramatic jumps in values. It now assesses property every year and that problem is largely solved. The flat tax is a solution to a problem that no longer exists.

Claudia Medina

Marine Avenue

Canada has a rapidly growing gap between rich and poor due mostly to the tax cuts provided by the federal and provincial governments to high-income earners. There is little that municipal government can do to reduce the inequity this creates but it can do something that will prevent making it worse [Disparity shows in property assessment,” February 19].

City of Powell River council can heed the advice given by its former director of financial services and refuse to implement a flat tax which, as Dave Douglas explained, decreases the property tax on high-valued properties and increases the property tax on low-valued properties.

The straight property tax based on assessed value is a progressive tax and it contributes to greater equity because it taxes people on their ability to pay. This is what this community needs and wants. I hope council will make a good decision on this issue.

Kay Bremner

Skeena Street

I would like to comment with my thoughts on the ever-continuing library saga [“Library location put to public,” February 26].

We’ve sat on the pot long enough, it’s time to get off. I don’t know what backroom shenanigans go on, but seems to me enough is enough.

The current library needs a new home. It is an integral part of this community—where do you think most residents go for information, education, enlightenment? Alternatives have been reviewed, discussed, dissected, reviewed, dissected, (how much time and effort—money—has this cost Powell River?), then declared not suitable.

This city voted 10 years ago not to expend the funds; a new library could have been paid for during that time. Get out of your time warp Powell River and get on with it.

Ilga Arajs

Tofino Street

Willingdon Watch Group appreciates City of Powell River council for its commitment to a referendum during the November elections [“Library location put to public,” February 26].

Powell River residents will finally have the opportunity to answer yes or no to the question of “retaining Willingdon South for parkland use only and in perpetuity.”

I know council is tired of this land usage issue and I know we who stand vigilant on the issue are as well. I am sure that early defenders of Stanley Park found it difficult to repel the camel in the tent syndrome.

Councillor Debbie Dee’s vision of a multi-building cultural plaza on non-renewable waterfront parkland can better be accomplished on the east side of Marine Avenue.

Surely there can be no doubt in the councillor’s mind, as to the feelings expressed in such indisputable numbers.

You may defeat us, but it will only be through manipulation and vote splitting, not a straight forward land use question of parkland versus development.

Council will gain the legacy of preserving non-renewable waterfront city parkland, but not if they create a very expensive white elephant, which consumes city parkland.

Elaine Teichgraber

Willingdon Watch Group

I am writing this letter to take issue with the Peak newspaper for not giving its readers a pictorial account of the ferry terminal project over the past 10 months [“Westview terminal closure redirects ferry traffic,” December 23, 2013].

This upgrading is a significant $13.6 million projecct. Fraser River Pile Driving has assisted the local economy in a number of ways, such as hiring local contractors and equipment as well as feeding and housing the local crews.

Unfortunately, many Powell Riverites, including seniors and shut-ins, have been unable to follow this exciting project.

Syd Riley

Michigan Avenue

Once again I am compelled to write another letter regarding this library issue [“Library location put to public,” February 26]. I just wonder how many 10s of thousands of dollars are going to be spent going back and forth about this?

Our town is not getting bigger, it is actually getting smaller. The taxes here are going through the roof; we are clearly spending more than is recouped.

I have just read the library report about the former Brick building being taken off the list for this library and am wondering about some points brought up about why it isn’t a great place to put this library.

1) It would be an increase to the municipal building inventory? Yet, council wants to build a standalone one on our prime waterfront. 2) Poor accessibility and parking? Last I saw there was a parking lot there and it is never full. 3) Accessibility? Correct, it is not down a steep street at the bottom of a hill away from the retirement housing. 3) Lack of daylight? One whole side is windows. 4) A higher capital and operations cost? Not even sure how to address this one. It seems to me when it is all said and done the cost would be more in a stand-alone building.

Clearly this council is not listening to what this town has elected it for and hopefully we can clean house come this November and place in people who want to work for the majority of this town and not for a Powell River Public Library board.

Sandy Timms

Marine Avenue

As you may have noticed, or maybe not, Powell River is about to become a different town due to the kind treatment of BC Ferries and the BC Liberals. We will be getting two, count them, two round-trip, Powell River/Comox, ferry sailings a day. Be happy, it could be worse [“Ferries task force posts schedule,” February 19].

However, the only way for Powell River to survive and advance is to base the ferry at Powell River using Blubber Bay on Texada Island.

This works as the Comox ferry leaves Powell River at 8 am and Comox at 10 am. This repeats at 5 pm and 7 pm. We get nine hours of island time and the delivery drivers get five hours to run around Powell River.

Texada has two ramps so docking space is not a problem for day or night moorage with maybe a small boost to the economy.

Notice how business in Powell River has not said much about the ferry fiasco. It’s your town too.

One has to ask: Did the City of Powell River include a CFFI (compensation for fare increases) clause in the recent ferry terminal land use agreement?

Have you noticed the great “screaming silence” from Ottawa as our rights and freedoms get trampled? Did you vote Liberal?

Bill Ireland

Joyce Avenue

I love to read. Reading has enabled me to be educated, work, earn a good living and be healthy. In fact, the best determinants for longevity are wealth and education.

As a registered nurse, I see many people who did not have the opportunity to read, obtain an education or a good paying job. Vital Signs reported that 35 per cent of our 18-year-olds didn’t graduate in recent school years (provincial average is 29 per cent). Where are they now? Have they joined the working poor or are they unemployed?

The site that City of Powell River council chose for the new Powell River Public Library has been controversial for some, but the library board’s research clearly shows broad support for a new library [“Library location put to public,” February 26]. A new library could cost less than $20 per year per household. Moreover, the proposed Willingdon library would use less than half of the site and conserve the waterfront as park. Ample space remains for other activities like markets, the BC Bike Race and Sea Fair.

Council has proposed to develop a second design concept for a new library using the second floor at Powell River Recreation Complex. In public consultation, everyone will be able to express a preference for a new library at either site with the goal to include a new library question on a November referendum.

Literacy is life enriching, economically rewarding and improves workforce skills. By promoting the exchange of ideas and culture, our library is a vibrant cultural hub and a great enabler of literacy.

Let’s build the library we deserve.

Roberta Villeneuve

Powell River Public Library board trustee