To the Editor,
Re: Toxic cleanup, May 22.
I was driving along Terminal Avenue this week and remembered reading your story about the soil contamination that is likely plaguing some of the area.
While this is something which likely needs attention, it should not be the bailiwick of the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association to spend our money on.
This is a huge undertaking which will costs millions, if not tens of millions of dollars to remedy.
It is well outside what BIAs are designed and staffed for. They are around to improve public spaces so more people will flock to a downtown core. After that it’s up to the individual business to get shoppers in their doors.
BIAs are not intended for public monies to be spent on helping private landowners develop or sell their properties.
B.M. Vries
Nanaimo