7 - Friday, July 22, 1988 ~ North Shore News OPEN LETTER TO Mayor Lanskaii and council Re: Proposed towers on the southeast corner of Taylor Way and Marine Drive, West Vancouver. Seven years ago, 1981 May 11, we attended a Public Hearing about the zoning and development of this choice land. We are shown, with Frank Baker, in the cover photo of the North Shore News for May 13, 1981. At the meeting, we learned that the area had formerly been a riverside municipal park, but that Roger (Gauthier) Motors had made the council an of- fer to lease, and pay taxes, that the municipality ‘could not refuse’. However, the financial rewards to the municipality were less than expected, and council wished to rezone the land. We left that meeting with the expectation that the land would be returned to a riverside municipal park as soon as Roger Motors could be eased out. Traces of the former park can still be found along the river, behind Roger Motors (now Royal Pontiac Buick) and the old Works Yard. A few exotic pines, larches and flowering shrubs are there; even a park bench. On checking with Mr. Steve Nichols at West Van- couver Municipal Hall, we learned that former coun- cits have actively solicited development proposals for the land, and the present council was considering a proposal for two 21-storey residential towers at this principal ‘entrance’ to West Vancouver. Has council considered the numbing effect of 42 MAILBo preferred win towers storeys of urban development in such an exposed site? Think of the forlorn International Plaza, a little fur- ther cast on Marine Drive; built at the wrong time in the wrong place. Think of the extra traffic from adding 42 residential storeys, say another 160 cars pouring into one of the busiest intersections of two provincial highways in Greater Vancouver. We have looked down on this for 33 years; we know it is busy. Mr. Nichols says that the land is worth $10 million, and its lease will generate revenue for good works in the municipality. However, as with Roger Motors, there may be no net gain to the municipality. Perhaps citizens would prefer to pay an additional $100 per year to avoid the spectre of two obtrusive white elephants marking the crossing of Capilano River. We are‘not surprised that previous councils have kept this planning disaster so quict. Their West Van- couver Report/information Brochure is now in its 10th year, and we have read it with care, but do not recall any discussion of the proposed development, which should be specifically approved or disallowed by them. Remember that our Indian neighbors would be encouraged to erect similar structures on Lions Gate Bridge and Marine Drive. Please reconsider and adopt the original intent of a municipal riverside park for this prime location. / Bob and Rita Harris, / West Vancouver. / f on their. land to the south and east, further increasing traffic DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER FOR SALE BY TENDER 36 RESIDENTIAL LOTS INDIAN RIVER, PARKWAY, LYNNMOUR AND DEEP COVE NEIGHBOURHOODS Minimum Acceptable Prices $70,000.00 - $125,000.00 Excellent selection of lots of various sizes. The closing time for sealed bids will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 12, 1988. - For jurther information contact Neil Carlisle, the Land Depariment ° " at the Municipal Hall, 355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, & BC. V7N 2K6. Telephone: 987-7131 Paramedics have specific training Dear Editor: After reading Noel Wright’s In- sights on Prize paramedics in the Sunday, June 26 paper, 1 was compelled to set the record straight. Being a Vancouver firefighter, I have seen many first aid situations as have other firefighters, am- bulance attendants, and, yes, the civilian who practises first aid. However, ‘‘Paramedic”’ is a title only earned by a select few. They are selected out of the Emergency Health Services to receive the highest pre-hospital training available. It is not my intention to downgrade the trophy. the North Vancouver First Aid team won, after all as industrial first aiders they already, have my respect. Congratulations on your ac- complishment, but Iets not confuse first aid attenéants with paramed- ics. P.S. Sorry Sarah, you're still the best instructor I ever had. Joe Foster , North Vancouver Freedom of speech defended Dear Editor: I wish to reply to Doug Collins’ claim (May 13, 1988) that civil rights groups have remained silent about. the prosecution of hate- mongers. such as Zundel and Keegstra. The B.C. Civil Liberties Association has, on the contrary, been outspoken in its defence of freedom of speech, even with respect to the rantings of Zundel and Keegstra. For example, in a lengthy article The Keegstra Case (Canadian Forum, Fall, 1985) the president of the BCCLA defended Keegstra’s anners meeded Dear Editor: The Canada Employment Centre for Students (CEC-S) has been br- inging North Shore students and employers together for many years now. We always knew that our services were appreciated, but we didn’t realize just how much, Consider the recent situation in- volving our Hire-A-Student ban- ner. Somebody or some group wanted a memento of the CEC-S so badly that they actually took our banner. Imagine that. They must really like us to go to the ef- fort of getting a banner. We certainly appreciate the at- tention they have paid us, but perhaps you could suggest another tactic to your readers. We have lots of colorful Hire-A-Student buttons and all kinds of pamphlets and flyers that we'd love to give out. Free! Lots of ’em. But we can’t afford to give away, or lose, our banners. Colin Daiglish CEC-S North Vancouver right to express his views. In letters to the editor and in media inter- views, various members of our. association have argued that mak- ing it a criminal offence to express certain views seriously undermines our commitment to democracy. A few weeks ago, amidst the general outcry against the overturning of Keegstra’s conviction, | defended Huge Sliders, Casements, . Selection Bays and Bows, Patio Doors. this position on CBC's Almanac. Though « view the criminali- zation of speech as a serious ero- sion of our democratic rights as Canadian citizens, we in no way support the outrageous drivel of Keegstra, Zundel and their ilk. John Westwood Acting executive director B.C. Civil Liberties Association $95. $115 $125. $145. 3'x2" 3'x3* 4x3" 5'x3" Double Glazed From... HURRY! QUANTITIES LIMITED on some items. Complete pre-ha Plus ma other " insstore SPECIALS ~ at afl our locations! ing service available! ee i some Spending Earn § Money This Summer he North Shore News requires part-time carriers to fill in for regular carriers during the summer holidays. News carriers are noi required to collect money and we'll try to place part-time carriers right in their own neighborhoods. all the Distribution Department now to see if there are routes available in your area. Seniors and housewives are also welcome to give us a call. Joan Cripps - Distribution THE VOICE OF NOHTH AND WLST VANCOUVIR rf ‘north:shore.