Editor:
It was with deep regret that I read Sean Eckford’s article of April 21 regarding Gibsons council and the developers of Parkland Phase 3 having turned their backs on continuing with utilizing the geothermal system. Mayor Wayne Rowe and the two supporting councillors should truly hang their heads in shame along with the staff responsible for the report to council. The question also needs to be asked of the developer if this is a path that will put profits before community and the environment? My understanding is that many current residents of stages 1 and 2 are very satisfied with the system and in full support of it continuing. The reason for the system failure has been identified and measures can be taken to ensure there is no repeat. The NASA space shuttle and other private space companies have not abandoned space travel due to various major failures with their programs. We need Mayor Rowe and councillors Valeriote and SanJenko to do the same – be strong and committed. Common sense, commitment and foresight of council and residents were required to start this project – the same is needed to continue with it, plus it is plain and simple the right thing to do. This development should be a model for others to follow. Councillor Valeriote and others should not heed the staff analysis – the staff need to do as the space agencies’ staff have done and seek a solution so that the journey can continue.
Greg Giles, Roberts Creek
