Fast ferry b Robert Galster News Reporter robert@nsnews.com THE man in charge of the controver- sial fast ferry project, which calls for with the the construction of three aluminum- hulled vessels, has resigned from his post. Catamaran — Ferries Monday. Although Hamilton was unavailable for com- ment to press time Fuesday, a CFI spokesman said the decision was based on his desire to return to Nova Scotia to be closer to his family and pursuc another private sector opportunity. “On behalf of the board, | thank him for the work he has contributed to this project,” said Jack Munro, chairman of the board of directors of CFI. Hamilton’s experience with shipbuilding start- Park’s native heritage featured From page 1 Victoria and the band will prepare a plan for the park in consultation with public and pri- vate interests and other First Nations. Stares the agreement: “The main purpose of the plan is to guide the protection and man- agement of the natural and cul- tural resources of the park while recogn’zing and atfirming the aboriginal rights culture, tradi- tions and history of the Tsleil- Waututh Nation in the park and also to provide to the public a Variety of recreation opportuni- ties in a largely undisturbed nat- ural environment.” The minister has the power to override board recommenda: tions, but in thase “exceptional circumstance” Victoria would contact the fsicil-Waururh chief’ before doing so. The Indian Arm Park agree- ment can be terminated by both parties. Otherwise, it will remain in effect until a treaty is signed and ratified by the Tsleil- Waututh Nation and) provincial and federal governments. Meanwhile, the province and band will work together to iden- tify native heritage sites such as former village, community and fishing sites in the park. The parties, the agreement says, Wil] work together to ensure the band’s use, management, conservation. and protection of band heritage sites in the part That seems to make good on a promise by former North Vancouver- Lonsdale MLA David Schreck, who tried to placate native bands after the park was announced by saying: “Nobody will be putting a camp site on top ofa culturally significant site.” When the NDP announced the park in 1995, its plan was short on specifies but still raised the ire of Squamish and Tsteil- Waututh nations. They said they weren’t consulted on the park's creation, even, though the park was on land both bands claimed. George said the Indian Arm area is ar the heart of the 330- member band’s land claim. The land plays an important role in native heritage and is the site of special burial grounds, George said. In 1995, he threatened legal action over the park’s creation. International announced the resignation of its vice-president and general manager Andrew Hamilton last ed in 1967 as an apprentice engi neer in Cilasgow, Scotland, In 1980, he moved to Canada to become director of construction Canadian Frigate Program in Samt John, New Brunswick. In 1995, he moved to the west coast to take over CFE. Hamilron will be replaced by John Wells, who was the general Manager of Versatile Shipyards before joining BC Ferries. Crities of the fast ferry project point to the delay ins the first ferry’s launch, initially trom last October to December and, more recently, to next spring, as being (CFE) indicative of larger problems with the project. But Munro said Hamilton's departure is unre- fated to the criticism and added that the project should continue running smoothly. ss steps de ANDREW Hamilton has left NV’s Catamaran Ferries International. Wednesday, January 21, 1998 — North Shore News - 3 wit Munro. “John Wells has worked tor and with BC Ferries... so he knows the actors and he’s well- respected ins the shipbailding industry.” As tor the criticism leveled at the fast terry proyeet’s cost-over runs and launch delays, Munro said it ts of litle significance. “Pm not upser about what's happening there.” said Munro. “In fact Pm really proud of what's happening down there.” He added that he refuses to get involved in another date-set- ting exercise, because of the complenity of the project. “TE don’t know what it is with these ship- builders that they want to set these dates,” said Munro. “Ill be in the spring. I think it'll be very easly spring the ship will be in the water and work- “The people under him (Hamilton) arc still ing.” there so it should be 3 seamless transition,” said ~ CFL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BC Ferries. NEWS photo Cindy Goodman VANCOUVER Coun. George Puil spoke in favor of a Greater Vancouver transportation proposal, but West Vancouver councillors gave Puil and GVRD officials a rough ride. WV says deal’s costs don't favor residents From page to get,” stated GVRD chairman George Puil Monday. Puil, GVRD transportation negotiator Marvin Shaffer, B.C. transportation negotiator Peter Cameron and GVRD representative Johnny Carline came before council to pre- sent details and answer questions about the “Recommended = Agreement on Transportation Governance and Funding tor Greater Vancouver.” The province proposes to hand over control and finane- ing of roads, bridges and transportation to the local GVRD municipalities. The new system will be administered by a board of 15 appointed “authorities,” who would then form the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority (GVTA). The entire North Shere would only have one representative on the board. The deal, according to GVRD) representatives, niust be ratified by the end of February. West Vancouver recently supported a motion to extend the ratification date beyond the Feb, 28 deadline and to sever the agreement into nwo parts — one part transit, one part reads. The GVRD is under no obligation to abide by West Vancouver's request. West Vancouver council worries that the province is try- ing to rush the deal to get the transportation debt olf its books in time for the spring budget. Councillors tear that the inherited debt may zrow to unmanageable proportions and unlike the provinee, the GVTA would nor be able to run the system at a deficit. Coun. Allan Williams says that the financial analysis pro- vided by the GVRD is merely a series of “assumptions.” “The figure keeps mounting, George. That is not the kind of restraint we want,” Williams said. Coun. Russ Fraser predicts that the system will cust tax- payers an average of $100 million dollars per year and calls the deal “unacceptable.” In addition, he stared that a 1% rise in interest rates or a 10% change in ridership would result in an extra $60 million dollar differential. GVRD negotiator Shaffer disagreed. He told Fraser that the higher figures are associated with higher service levels and not necessarily provincial transfers costs. Councillor are predicting that the system will provide few or no benefits tor West Vancouver residents. According to the presentation, the Liens Gate Bridge, the Bowen Island terry and all major roads and highways in West Vancouver would remain under provincial control and sub- ject to extra fees or tolls, However, West Vancouverites, as members of the GVTA, would be responsible for paying for transport structures and services such as the Patullo Bridge, the Knight Street: Bridge, the Westcoast: Express and the Albion terry, A new Ligr Raul Transit (LRT) system for the Broadway-New Wesiminister corridor is planne:i, West Vancouver council tears that its citizens wil have to suffer an unfair increase in AirCare casts, vehick: sur- charges, residential property tax increases and commercial property tax increases. “Where's the victory?” asked Fraser, “This deal is no better than what we've gor Wilhams asked Puil ifhe would use the residential prop- erty tax base to pay for transportation. Puil answered with a resounding “never” and claimed that the power to tay residential property only came as part of the package and need not be used. Coun, Victor Durman was net convinced. “If vou never intend to do something, then vou don’t need the power to do it,” he said. Durman said the GVTA stands to lose $8 milion dol- lars in the first year and $36 million dollars by the year 2009. “You have to have some clement of trust,” said Puil when asked directly by Durmai. if there was anyt could change his mind and sway him to vote against the proposal. Council defers Garden Avenue closure Martin Millerchip Contributing Writer miller@nsnews.com EIGHTEEN years of lob- bying, a recent fatality and the results of a consul- tant’s report failed to per- suade a majority of North Vancouver District Council Monday to close Garden Avenue to traffic. Garden Avenue cuts through Lower Capilano, one of the older residential areas of the district. Long-time residents still recall it as a dirt road with a bootlegger doing business at the end of it. Today it’s 2 busy street serving a large enough volume of waflic to deserve the classification “arteri- al.” It provides a marginal shortcut for vehicles between Capilano Road and Marine Drive, and on June 8, 1997, was the scene of a horrifving two-vehicle accident that took the life of Doug Folk, a popular community figure. The accident regalvanized local residents grown tired of “fighting city hall” over many years and 273 signatures (from a community of 230 homes; were collected on a petition requesting closure of Garden to through trattic. Residential lobbying in the “80s to reduce trafic on the street had resulted in. district council ayrecing to trafhc-calming mva- sures that restricted through traf fic in the area except for Garden Avenue. See Community page & Cap centre needs home NORTH Vancouver District is holding an open house today (Wednesday) to review site options for a pro- posed Lower Capilano Community Centre. The open house is 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Capilano elementary school, 1230 West 20th St, North Vancouver. The district has been working with othe Lower Capilano Facilities Committee to review community recreation opportu- nities for the arca. The citizens’ committee was formed Jase May to bring together the views of residents from all four neighbor- hoods in Lower Capilano. After reviewing all feasible locations in Lower Capilano, the committee is now ready to present. its options for public review. Facilities being considered include a community centre, her- itage services and archives build- ing and an indvor tennis centre. Sites being considered for rede- velopment include Capilano West Athletic Club, Norgate Park, Norgate School and a for- mer industrial site at Third and Hloyd. For more information, call 990-2320.