To the Editor,
Re: City to acquire 89 hectares of parkland in Linley Valley, May 15.
This land should have been purchased by previous councils years ago when it would have cost a fraction of the price it is today, however the decision was still a good one. Never has purchase of parkland been a bad decision.
Such a shame that so much of this valley has already been bulldozed and people should be aware that there are still plans for more destruction of lands which have not been protected.
As one who has been involved in the campaign to save this beautiful property, I can tell you that it is not just nearby residents who have put pressure on council. People from all over Vancouver Island, from other parts of Canada and even from other parts of the world signed the petition.
Edna ChadwickNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: City to acquire 89 hectares of parkland in Linley Valley, May 15.
At $9 million to acquire 89 hectares of the Linley valley property, this is a cost of over $100,000 per hectare or a one time cost of $100 each for every person living in Nanaimo. I also read that this was a nice ‘gift for the city’ but it is only a gift if it was free. The present owners did not give the land free to the city, the city purchased it with our tax dollars.
Do you think increasing taxes and buying more property is a responsible use of tax dollars?
Terry WagstaffNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: City to acquire 89 hectares of parkland in Linley Valley, May 15.
This decision is a fantastic one. Linley Valley west is the last unspoiled wilderness area left in Nanaimo and protecting it is the best outcome it could have had. From the sensitive ecosystems within it, the different species of flora and fauna, and to the beauty within it, it is a treasure.
There was great public support right from the beginning, when Save Linley Valley West was first formed and began this arduous process. To the many who came out to sign our petitions, attend our rallies and protests, to the great core group that was formed to save these lands, and of course to the mayor, council and staff, I say thank you with all of my heart, foremost for the wildlife and habitats saved, and for the beauty of an area that now all in Nanaimo will be able to enjoy.
Joanne Jonas-McRaeNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: City to acquire 89 hectares of parkland in Linley Valley, May 15.
I think this is very forward-thinking, and will be appreciated for generations to come. Nanaimo’s many parks and green spaces are an attraction to tourists and locals alike, and contribute substantially to our overall quality of life. It will also benefit our diverse wildlife.
Thank you for putting people before profit.
Trish Mooneyvia e-mail
To the Editor,
Re: City to acquire 89 hectares of parkland in Linley Valley, May 15.
Council is looking to our future and to future generations by making sure properties such as Linley Valley stay pristine and natural by turning as much of them as possible into protected parklands.
Perhaps due to the amount of money needed for the Linley Valley purchase, there may be residents who feel that social programs and other public concerns will be adversely affected, but sometimes we need to seize the moment. Not making a move at this time might seal the fate of Linley Valley to developers forever.
Lynn BurrowsNanaimo