To the Editor,
The City of Nanaimo has spent tens of millions of dollars this year unnecessarily. While in theory I have nothing against the boathouse proposal, or the acquisition of land in Linley Valley, I believe such projects should only be done when the city’s fiscal house is in order. But when property taxes are raised and rates for basic services go up year after year, to me those are clear indications that the city does not have spending under control.
Spending $9 million on land that was called the last remaining green space in Nanaimo, just seems like an unnecessary purchase. Surely Nanaimo is not short on green space. As for the boathouse, while it’s being portrayed as something the community wants, in reality it is something only a small portion of the community would make use of.
While some people have time to sit on boards and dream up plans to spend other people’s money, I for one would prefer to spend my money the way I like. I don’t like having to spend money on more taxes so the city can throw it at whatever hare-brained scheme comes its way.
Brendan MillbankNanaimo