10 - North Shore News — Wednesday, November 17, 1999 === MAIL Dear Editor: Vote ves for public access to the watertrent! On Nov. 20 voters in North Vancouver District will have an opportunity to impact this community for decades. If anyone will take the time to read the relatively shore report of the Waterfront Task Force. they will discover why we have restrict- ed access to a waterfront that beiongs to all citizens and what treasures are hidden from view. The referendum question concerns “greater accessibility” to the watertront. For decades private owners have intentionally and unintentionally blocked access to the watertroat. It’s time to make accessible what is the sight of every resident or visitor. Vancouver, West Vancouver and Richmond have recognized the importance of providing people with not only a few parks along the waterfront but continuous access wherever that is fea- sible. Along beaches alf the shore below the high-water mark should be open for enjoyment by all citizens. In practice there are waterfront zones in which there is no beach available or industry uses the waterfront. Stili, in principle citizens have a right to access their waterfront. _ A large committee of citizens volunteered hundreds of hours to uncover the best kept secrets in North Vancouver. That is why they have recommended “a mainly natural continuous trail of. approximately 13 kilometres stretching from the Seymour river to Deep Cove, 2 trail with a variety of pleasurable experi- Personal attacks ences...” The “trail” will have signage to guide you the whole way. The idea of the waterfront wail is common to many subur- ban and urban coramunities today. This proposal is conceived in two stages and lasting up to 50 vears. In stage one the district would combine existing roads and parks in a waterfront trail svs- tem. In Vancouver the city bought up a few properties along Point Grey Road and turned them into waterfront parks when these hecame available for sate. Similarly, the task force has advised that four lots west of Mackenzie Barge/Noble Towing should be purchased for a park when they come on the market. In stage two (after 15 years) some properties along the waterfront between Golf Drive and Harris Place would be pur- chased at marker prices as they came up for sale. The district would resell them with a six metre fght-ofway strip to be added in tine to the shoreline waterfront trai}. In this way the project would imitate the popular West Vancouver seawalk. There have been attacks on the plan by waterfront residents who don’t want more people looking at “their” beaches and “their” views. As well opponents attack the costs of purchasing properties and reselling them, A reading of the report will show that the pian is flexible enough to permit us to invest in this community project in a selective way: putting together over are unproductive Dear Editor: a I saw the letter from: Ms. Knox_in_ your Nov. edition z~ North Vancouver ‘District Coun. Ernie Crist for - his comment. in an ali-candi- - ing where he seemed o say, in’! flee that. if women Swita erland had wanted the- : council, and Canadian women go: the vote, that “sensible and respon- sible women do" hor want to vote.” I ‘don’t know if Mr. Cleveland was re-elected ~ hopefully not! - In six years of cbserving Thave appreciated many of the issues raised by Mr, Crist, and have probably agreed. with his position on most of peopie, including fellow coun- cillors and the mayor, who may quite legitimately “take a differ- ent position on any issue. With perhaps a few cxceptions such as conflicts of interest or cor- ruption, this is an inappropriate and destructive American style of politics. There is nothing wrong with identifying positions issues for electioncering pur- poses, bur personal aitacks directed at others tor taking such positions is destructive and impairs the functioning of council. With considerable regret, 1 have concluded that it is increasingly difficult to support Mc. Crist for council, John Hunter Worth Vancouver id the resultant bouing.. them. NT-note that American presi-- However, 1 believe he has Grove Cleveiand said in increasingly moved trom Cattacking issucs, : to attacking a NG Check radiator, hoses, bets, ain 8 rofl iwessure check & full report alignment, by certified technicians, produces fut before & after councillors or others take on Don't miss Nate's - extreme POT porn. Kating, Gomtest Sat, 7 Hows & af 3200 par | eoatestants ares. Christopher Foster Ken Meyer Pat Btyan Jeff Davidson Daryl Karan: | ‘eff Stewart Amy Chalmers Craig Cuthbert.‘ Diego Caizati james Ells Darlene Harvis Denny Ss. + Castiliont David Eltiot . - special and has no cash value. Taxes. ave catra. Valid tntii fan, 20/99 "Bee extra for white meat. eee fame ‘of ‘Peri-Perl “Glaze Zrutes ebichen time the pieces of the watertront trail and park system. There are many other attractive features to the plan which would see the district residents finally gaining, some control over a wateriront that far too long has been the preserve of a few. If you value waterfront access, you had better get out and vote. Allan Orr North Vancouver ICBC HAS A TEAM OF LAWYERS, SHOULDN'T YOU? y ° All claims have time timits ¢ Documents you sign can be used against you. SARHISTERS & SOUCTTOAS? 102-145 ¥est 15th St. North Van : 993-4311 www.taylornaddiaireom it Graham Taylor REE CONSULTATION... Kevin Blai 1 - A bettor transit and transportation seiwork ~ for Horth Shore residents. = 2- Honest, open government Ho back-rooni deals. 3- cee! to avoid urban spine! cad 4- Kesting ox: ~eipee _ Our wer Gu