Editor:
I recently returned from a trip down the coast of California. In popular tourist towns such as Carmel, Monterey, and Mendocino, I never saw a building on the waterfront higher than four storeys.
As someone who questions the height of The George on our own waterfront, I feel like I’ve been continually painted with a broad brush as “anti-development” by those supporting the hotel in its current form. This is simply not true.
I support economic development, but resent being held hostage to seven storeys by a developer. If the developer of The George walks away, I find it highly doubtful that other developers will be scared away from our beautiful harbour, particularly if they choose to propose something less controversial. To paraphrase Mark Twain, in this world nothing can be said to be certain except death, taxes, and development.
True civic leadership is not making “hard decisions” that pit neighbour against neighbour; it’s having the skill to broker consensus and find middle ground that is a win-win scenario for all.
Kylie Hutchinson, Gibsons
