Editor:
Re: “Open letter to Gibsons residents” by Mayor Wayne Rowe, Letters, Aug. 18.
I am concerned with the way His Worship Mayor Rowe uses the language of omission and distraction in his articulate, reasonable and rational sounding open letter. Although the facts that we need seniors’ facilities, Gibsons could use the revenue and that job creation is a benefit to all are undeniable, I am troubled at how we are being persuaded.
He compares the current situation to 2005 without mentioning that the Good Samaritan Society is indeed a not-for-profit and therefore completely within the bounds of the covenant.
He implies the current deal is the same by never actually admitting that Trellis will build and operate a for-profit facility.
He diverts attention from the issue by insinuating this is a “not-for-profit vs. for-profit” debate better left to others, not an “is the Town abiding by the rules” debate for the people of Gibsons.
He grieves for the lack of productivity of this “barren” land that filters water, produces oxygen and provides habitat.
He suggests that if we do not seize this opportunity now the property will sit fallow, wasted on covenant-approved uses at some point in the non-foreseeable future.
He finishes with the bold claim that Mr. Christenson himself would not oppose council’s decision.
I feel as though this is an audacious attempt to justify actions that run contrary to regulations to which the Town agreed. When read with a critical eye, it seems less like a letter and more like open propaganda.
Ryan Gapes, Gibsons
