Editor:
I was surprised to read Ian Jacques' editorial and his seemingly unconditional support of the George condo and hotel proposal (Coast Reporter, Jan. 17).
What disturbed me most was how casually he cast aside the serious question of potential economic benefit.
No, we don't require a restaurant to provide independent economic predictions because a restaurant isn't likely to ask for public land (Winn Road) an individual restaurant isn't likely to get tax breaks or dominate our waterfront with a 125-foot tall structure (approximately 50 feet taller than the new Sechelt waterfront condo development) and a lone restaurant is not likely to pose a potential risk to our aquifer. Your analogy is like comparing a goldfish to a killer whale.
Further, Mr. Fuernis' marketing team initiated this whole process by making grand promises of great economic benefits and many well-paid jobs for our community. Like many a politician, his group followed the script, telling us what we wanted to hear.
So yes, Mr. Jacques, independent and unbiased economic projections are absolutely part of this equation and should very much be part of the process in how council and individuals evaluate this proposal.
Alan Sirulnikoff, Gibsons
