into thet

all know that free
terprise isn’t exactly
ee.

In fact, most business
ople today understand that
cir success depends on a
nde range of factors, includ-
g polivcal acquiescence and
mmunity support.

That's why it was some-
hat surprising to s:¢ the
bmments of Home Depot's
ublic relations manager
inted in this newspaper last
inday.

“Te’s a done deal, “she
id, speaking from her com-
ny's Toronto-based corpo-
te office. She was referring
‘the proposed expansion of

Bvest Vancouver's Park Royal
uth mall, which would
clude so-called “big-box”
tailers stich as Home Depor.

In theory, Park Royal can

Ro ahead and manage the
opping centre as it sees fit.

in reality, however, commu-
izy support is crucial ro any

Business. And that’s why this

attic tempest provides such
interesting test case for
tical influence and local

Intrigue.

N Petitions are now circulat-
2g at retail establishments on

the North Shore, urging West
fancouver Council not to

Approve any new construction

br changes in transportation
patterns in order to accom-
odate Park Royal’s plans.

There are a number of

ssues involved in the brewing

protest: <oncerns over ;
increased traffic; a change in
¢ quaint, seaside pace of life

a second

opinion
in West Vancouver; and fear
of competition among exist-
ing retailers in che area.

Technically, there doesi’t
seem to be much the munici-
paliry can do, Fer instance,
no rezoning is required in
order far the development to
proceed. But there’s little
doubt thar West Vancouver
has the ability to influence
the project. Se far, however,
council has only cautiously
referred the matter to the
mumicipality’s advisory design
panel.

Now, many West
Vancouverites scoff at the
idea of their local council
actually taking a decisive
stand on such an issue, Some
say that this would be espe-
cially unlikely given the per-
ceived political clout of Larco
Investments Ltd, the owner
of Park Royal Shopping
Centre. Other wags go even
further, suggesting that most
local politicians are in the
pocket of Larco.

These are serious charges
and, so far as I know,
unproven, Yet, the fact that
such views are commonly
expressed prompted me to
seck one measurement of
their likelihood.

OF course, it’s never easy
to peck behind the curtain
concealing the relationship
between focal politicians and
developers. But [ remem-
bered that during the years
when T served as an MLA in
Victona, new legislation was
passed requiring al} those
secking municipal office to
disclose the financial contri-
butions to their civic election
campaigns.

A visit to the West
Vancouver municipal offices
revealed the tollowing inter-
esting, facts abour the win-
ning candidates in last year’s
local election:

Pat Boname received con-
tributions of more than
$23,000 in her successful bid
to become mayor of West
Vancouver —- $£,000 came
from Larco.

8 Councillor Liz Byid
received contributions of
almost $9,000 — $500 came
from Larco.

@ Councillor Russ Fraser
raised more than $5,000 —
$500 came from Lareo.

@ Councillor Victor Durman
self-financed his campaign to
the tune of more than
$8,000.

B Councillor Bill Soprovich
received contributions of
more than $3,400, all from
individuals, no corporations.
@ Councillor Alan Williams is
probably the most frugal
West Van politician, receiving
contributions of less than
$1,800.

4 Councillor Ron Wood
received contributions of
slightly more than $3,300.

Or Edgemont Village
Could Goto Bed
Without Neoxtcan Food

Actually, we're not kidding.around. You may have read about our
recent nightmares: our sister restaurant, Cafe Centro, has closed
down through circumstances too bizarre to explain here. The
_ result is that Cafe Norte, our pride and joy of ten great years, is on
the block. We have one chance to buy it back and keep it running
but, to do this, we need the help of our friends (that's you).

PAY NOW °*

DINE ANYTIME

Our plan is to use a system of Subscription Dining: buy a
‘subscription for any amount you like, then simply dine on us
until it's used up. Anyone can subscribe - individuals, companies,
‘ families, schools - and any amount is welcome. Just fill in the
form below and return it with your cheque. To use Visa, add the
card information and fax the form to 983-2813. And feel free to
- call us at 990-4600, to discuss other methods of financial support.

THE OTHER BAB

News

We have to reach our goal by this Tuesday, August 12th. (or, after
that, it's hasta la vista, baby). It's tight, but it can be done. Thank
you in advance from the Mitchell family. The Village is our home.
We'd love nothing more than to keep having you over for dinner.

SUSSCHIBER
AOGRESS

PHONE
EXPIRY DATE

WaSs

Of the seven West
Vancouver council members,
three accepted financial dona-
tions from Larco.

Although it’s worth not-
ing that the unsuccessful can-
didate for mayor, Jim Hogan,
who raised more than
$32, 600, also received
$1,000 fram Larco. And
Susan Thomas, who was
unsuccessful in her bid for a
spot on council, received a
$500 canuibution from
Larco as well.

Is any of this surprising?
Does it suggest thar Larco
wields too much influence in
local pulities? Or docs it say
that free enterprise is alive
and well in West Vancouver?

V3} fet readers be the
judge. But I'm thankful for
our new disclosure law which
at least provides a glimpse
inte the previously mysterious
relationship between focal
politicians and developers.

And in order to avoid any
apparent conflict, f the Park
Royal meyastore issue should
ever come back to West
Vancouver council for either
input or a decision, it would
be wise for thase elected rep-
resentatives who have
received financial support
from Larco to cither look the
other way, leave the room for
an important phone call,
come down with a sudden
case of diplomatic flu, or just
plain abstain.

~— The North Shore News
believes strongly in freedom of
speech and te right of all sides
in « debate to be heard. The
coltannists published in the
News present differing points
of view, but those views are not
necessa rily those of the newspn-
per teself.

MEY! IES CN OE Anages ae SF

Friday, August 8, 1997 — North Shore News - 7

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