Editor:
I wasn't able to attend the recent presentation by Klaus Fuerniss and his team, but from all accounts it was a very polished and beautiful presentation.
After reading the Coast Reporter's feature article and editorial (Sept. 14) I came away with an abundance of forecasts and numbers, all glowing and all put forward by the proponent. How am I to have an informed opinion when the only information is that put forward by Mr. Fuerniss's marketing team?
Clearly the advertising and expense of such an elaborate presentation is designed to generate advance support. Might this be a way for Mr. Fuerniss to put pressure on council before a formal proposal is put forward?
I have some real concerns that were not in the Coast Reporter coverage: how can our town guarantee that our precious aquifer won't be compromised by such a development? I question the economic benefits of more high-end condos, a hotel and convention centre, when they are likely to be mostly empty for six months of the year. This won't help the local economy in the slow season. And sadly seasonal employment and expensive condos won't help young families stay, but would further push affordable housing out of their reach. Finally, what will Mr. Fuerniss require of our town in exchange for his development idea?
I wonder if all this might be a case of promising us the moon and stars, and instead we are left holding a sparkler in the rain.
Alan Sirulnikoff
Gibsons
