To the Editor,
Re: Ratepayers float Gabriola bridge, Feb. 11.
As a Gabriolan I was surprised to read your recent article suggesting that Gabriola taxpayers are discussing building a bridge. In fact this is news to us. Only about 50 Gabriolans participated in the ratepayers’ meeting. We also know that the impromptu poll is not statistically valid and is in no way representative of the views of roughly 4,000 Gabriolans – 8,000 in the summer – who were not in attendance and not consulted.
The last survey of Gabriolans on the bridge issue, conducted by VIU, clearly showed that at least two-thirds of Gabriolans have no interest in considering a bridge. And for a small number of individuals who may have business interests or who want an easier commute to Nanaimo, to speak for the large majority of islanders would hardly be accurate or appropriate.
Construction of a bridge won’t happen because Gabriolans simply don’t want it. Who would want a beautiful Gulf Island to become a noisy city suburb with bush parties, roaring traffic and garbage-strewn beaches? Residents choose to live here to have a secluded quiet, rural lifestyle. Otherwise they would be living in Nanaimo or Vancouver.
Karen HodgsonGabriola Island