5 Sparks fly over park cash from Westcoast Corry Anderson-Fennell Contributing Writer A letter no one remem- bers. A $5,000 contribution to a sorely-needed park project by a Private company. A politician’s admission he made a “grievous error in judg- ment.” The Sunshine — Coast Regional District (SCRD) board was scrambling to dis- tance itself from director Eric Cardinall last week after he facil- itated a recent cash contribu- tion from Westcoast Gas Services toward a feasibility study for the newly acquired Soames Hill Park in Gibsons. Cardinall admitted during a special board meeting that it never occurred to him he could be in a conflict of interest, or that there could be “the: percep- tion of compromise on my part and for the Sunshine Coast regional board in all future deal- ings with Westcoast Gas Services Inc.” Westcoast’ has applied to develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility at MeNab Creek in West Howe Sound. ~The project received first and second readings from the board in September and December, 1997. After dismiss- ing Cardinall from the special board meetings, directors first voted to rescind those readings, then approved them again. Cardinall will have no further involvement in the rezoning application. at the recommendation of chief administrative officer Brian Chambers via legal coun- sel, the board also passed four separate resolutions indicating it was unaware Cardinalt had been negotiating the cash con- tribution with Westcoast Gas until ‘after payment had been made; that Cardinall acted on his own without direction from > the board; thae the board does not consider itself bound by - Cardinall’s actions; and that the board has not and will not be influenced in any way by Westcoast’s contribution to the park planning study. Westcoast Gas made the $5,000 contribution directly to the contractor that did the Soames Park study. But according to Westcoast senior project manager Doug Thorneyeroft, his company assumed Cardinall and the West Howe Sound Electors Association, which arranged for the study, had made both mem- bers of the community and the SCRP board aware of it. In face, Cardinall even sent a Jan. 20, 1998 letter of appreciation to Thorneyeroft on SCRD let- terhead. “In hindsight, we would certainly not have made the contribution without contirm- ing the whol: of dhe board and the community was aware of it,” Thorneyeroft said. So why weren’t they? West Howe — Sound Electors Association president Louis Hornung sent a letter to Thorneveroft on Sept. 15 explaining where and how the $5,000 would be spent, with copies to SCRD chairman Particia Baldwin and directors Gibsons Mayor Tucker Forsyth, Sechelt Mayor Bruce Milne and Cardinal}. But neither Baldwin) nor Forsyth could recall seeing che letter, while Milne recalled: it only “passing his desk” with the assumption it would be dealt with at the SCRD. Baldwin said if she had seen it, it would have set oft Senormous alarm bells.” Asked if he’s concerned this incident will hurt the LNG pro- ject Thorneverott said, “There'll be some people who will react adversely and put the Most sinister connotation on it.” For his part, Cardinall appeared surpnsed something that started with a contribution to the community ended with the perception of bias. “AR T wanted to do was build a field,” said Cardinal. “1 admit my error.” Corry Anderson-Fennell is the editor of The Reporter news- paper on the Sunshine Coast. North Shore Multicultural Society NS/77S The Host Progeam is looking for volunteers to spend time once aoweeh assisting newcomers learn more about Canadian life and helping them practice their English skills. Volunteers can learn about another cohture aml language and make new friends. Ther no financial obligation to join this program. az Multicultural Society 2931. and Immigration Canada. Ni Heavenly chocolate, heady scents, nose-tickling bubbles, jazzy jewels, perfect pasta fixings for rwo, sweet pies, bouquets bursting with colour and romance, exotic gifts or just the right book... that’s what Lonsdale Quay Marker is made of - this Valentine's Day! And remember, there’ free parking all day on weekends. 2 hours free with validation on weekdays. For more information call 985-6261. up to 5 litres oil AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES LTD. OIL CHANGE SPECIAL A NAME YOU CAN TRUST! FOR COMPLETE AUTO REPAIRS OF ALL MAKES & MODELS New & Used Hyundai Parts Huge Selection! For free estimate, call: 988-2239 116 Fell Ave., North Vancouver V7P 219 Is an RRSP better than a GIC? Does it matter? Miners Coming Wednesday, February 1! in the North Shore News.