Cumberland BC: The Cumberlander Articles Section
Uncategorized · 19th September 2007
Editor, with permission.
By Colleen Dane
Record Staff
Sep 19 2007
From plans for the old Chinatown lands to concerns about roving animals and design guidelines for the Trilogy development — Cumberland residents had a lot to say to their council at a second town hall meeting this week.
Around 25 people came out for the forum, which was started by council as a way to open up communication with residents.
The proposals for the old Chinatown/No. 1 Japanese Town were at the top of many people’s agendas for the evening — particularly due to a proposal for the property that suggests large commercial development on the land now zoned a park.
“I’m just bewildered we have to consider this proposal,” said one woman, questioning even the acceptance of the second report, submitted after an ad hoc group from the area had made their own public 18 months ago.
Council however, said simply they accepted the proposal, because they had said publicly they were open to others for consideration. Mayor Fred Bates said they have to look at it and try to keep an open mind — but did lay hints about their opinions of the proposal.
“I think you know council’s leaning at the moment, but we have to be fair and open-minded,” said Bates.
The huge difference between the two proposals made council’s decision very clear to at least one person in the crowd.
“I absolutely trust that the right decision will be made at council,” said Meaghan Cursons. “It’s so abundantly clear.”
Residents also wanted to talk to council about the regional water system being outlined by the provincial Ministry of Community Services. They were asking for more information on what the proposal might mean for their village and their water licenses.
“We need those facts because this is a big, big deal,” said Carol Snaden.
Council agreed with them about those concerns, and said they were looking for a meeting with the minister to explain some more about the proposal and potential impacts.
That wasn’t the only water topic on the table. Council was also looking for feedback on a new water rates bylaw which was given first reading in May and, if approved, would mean a significant increase to the taxpayer.
There were questions about how a bylaw based on water measurements could be implemented before meters are installed in the village. The mayor said their intent is to have them all in together, as a package — and residents were told that a report on water metering was expected soon.
Meanwhile, everyone seemed to agree that animal control is a service that could use more financial support, but the residents didn’t question council’s explanation that they just don’t have the money to do that right now.
“We’re trying just to keep our heads above water until we can have better days,” said Bates.
Record Staff
Sep 19 2007
From plans for the old Chinatown lands to concerns about roving animals and design guidelines for the Trilogy development — Cumberland residents had a lot to say to their council at a second town hall meeting this week.
Around 25 people came out for the forum, which was started by council as a way to open up communication with residents.
The proposals for the old Chinatown/No. 1 Japanese Town were at the top of many people’s agendas for the evening — particularly due to a proposal for the property that suggests large commercial development on the land now zoned a park.
“I’m just bewildered we have to consider this proposal,” said one woman, questioning even the acceptance of the second report, submitted after an ad hoc group from the area had made their own public 18 months ago.
Council however, said simply they accepted the proposal, because they had said publicly they were open to others for consideration. Mayor Fred Bates said they have to look at it and try to keep an open mind — but did lay hints about their opinions of the proposal.
“I think you know council’s leaning at the moment, but we have to be fair and open-minded,” said Bates.
The huge difference between the two proposals made council’s decision very clear to at least one person in the crowd.
“I absolutely trust that the right decision will be made at council,” said Meaghan Cursons. “It’s so abundantly clear.”
Residents also wanted to talk to council about the regional water system being outlined by the provincial Ministry of Community Services. They were asking for more information on what the proposal might mean for their village and their water licenses.
“We need those facts because this is a big, big deal,” said Carol Snaden.
Council agreed with them about those concerns, and said they were looking for a meeting with the minister to explain some more about the proposal and potential impacts.
That wasn’t the only water topic on the table. Council was also looking for feedback on a new water rates bylaw which was given first reading in May and, if approved, would mean a significant increase to the taxpayer.
There were questions about how a bylaw based on water measurements could be implemented before meters are installed in the village. The mayor said their intent is to have them all in together, as a package — and residents were told that a report on water metering was expected soon.
Meanwhile, everyone seemed to agree that animal control is a service that could use more financial support, but the residents didn’t question council’s explanation that they just don’t have the money to do that right now.
“We’re trying just to keep our heads above water until we can have better days,” said Bates.
