(Re: “No to boardwalk, yes to lake connection in lagoon,” AHO, Oct. 31, 2019)
Having attended the lagoon open house at the Village office, I feel compelled to write this letter.
It is my opinion that this proposal, mainly comprising of building a boardwalk in the lagoon, is ridiculously expensive. Not only for its initial cost, but to maintain.
Having been employed by the City of White Rock, as manager responsible for the pier infrastructure, I can assure you that the monies required for the maintenance and repairs are extremely high, with this operational cost paid for by the local taxpayers.
It is my position that any improvements to the lagoon must not be at any cost to us local taxpayers; it must have a financial benefit to the community. It appears that this short-sighted vision concerns the residents, that mayor and council will do as they please only for us to pay more taxes.
My main concern is the quality of the lagoon water for public swimming: if this can’t be done economically, such as just opening the lagoon to the lake, then the lagoon should be closed for swimming.
I am appalled at the recent decision for the Village to direct overflow contaminated storm water from the newly paved boat launch parking area into a swimming area. There has already been millions of liters of this contaminated storm water overflowing into the lagoon.
Maybe the village is hoping to do just that — close the swimming area.
The cost for the recent open house and fancy drawings are a further indication of the nickel and dime effect, or I should say, loonie and toonie, that will financially hurt this village.
May I suggest to mayor and council, why not have an open house at Memorial Hall open to all public to discuss these important projects before you start hiring pricey consultants, one that allows all people to speak and be heard as a group conversation?
- Ed Wood, Harrison Hot Springs
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