Editor:
Last week’s paper contained a disturbing letter and related reportage about Gibsons council making a decision about appropriating funds intended for parks to their capital fund. Further, it appeared their intention in the near future is to direct capital funding to the Gibsons Public Market expansion project. The co-owned, non-profit Market project is exciting and will be a boon to Lower Gibsons; however, it is essentially a commercial destination community attraction, suited to monied locals and tourists.
Municipalities are empowered to levy parks fees on new developments because the monies are intended to support the cost of public access lands and services that benefit all residents and visitors, to be enjoyed for free. I agree with the letter writer that the council is doing a grave disservice to many, and should rethink their decision before final reading.
Jane Hopkins, Roberts Creek
