The Editor,
Re. "Is Coquitlam 'losing ground' in efforts to promote driving alternatives?" (The Tri-City News, Nov. 28).
Coun. Craig Hodge expressed surprise that Coquitlam has so many more cars now, especially since so much development has occurred close to the SkyTrain stations. He said he would have expected vehicle ownership to decrease.
To that statement I say: Look at the kind of development is happening in this city. Around the SkyTrain stations, affordable rentals are being demolished to make room for luxury condos. People who can afford $500,000 for a one-bedroom condo can usually also afford a car.
This level of ignorance is embarrassing from a city councillor. We, the average people who work and live in this city, are not idiots; to us, that figure isn't surprising at all.
If council is serious about addressing environmental concerns and/or the housing crisis, it's time for them to stop talking out of both sides of their mouths.
Jeremy Tessier, Coquitlam
