Burnaby NOW • Wednesday, July 17, 2013 • A07
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Biking destroys habitat continued from page 6
to be “walker only” if the forests and wetlands have any chance of ever resembling second-growth forests instead of just tree parks. (Dogs, too, harm amphibians and watersheds as they spread devastating amphibian viruses when owners unwittingly traipse dogs from one stream or wetlands to another. Where dog use is respectfully limited, amphibians are sighted in wetted areas!) So, cyclists, we’re good at being heard at council meetings, so let’s band together and urge Burnaby to create and foster recreation cycling trails only if there are preserved, non-cycling trails through the few viably sustainable natural areas in Burnaby. I will support cycling in sustainable natural settings, once Burnaby does the hard work of protecting our precious natural heritage, not just the easy part of saying “yes” to cycling. Thanks, too, to the wonderful Stoney Creek streamkeepers for their decades of work on this precious stream. Jeff Anderson, Burnaby
New pool a huge bonus Dear Editor:
Re: new Edmonds pool. What a wonderful addition to our city! As a “swim family” we applaud the decisions made by the city to ensure that, unlike the Eileen Dailly facility, this new pool can accommodate swimmers. Even though we are rated a “well-off” city financially, our swim team could only use the Bonsor pool to host swim meets (it
continued from page 6
New place, familiar face
Simon Patterson, Burnaby
Stop towers at UniverCity
Dear Editor:
Re: UniverCity ready for more development, Burnaby NOW, July 10. I live in the Glenayre neighbourhood of Port Moody just below the UniverCity residential development. The original official community plan between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University limited building height to 10 storeys. The first projects in the southeast corner were six to eight storeys. But the heights have crept up to and over 10 storeys in subsequent construction. The condo tower currently under construction will have 14 storeys. A few months ago, at a UniverCity open house, I was shocked to see, on their scale model, a proposed condo tower for Phase 4 that exceeds 20 storeys! The original development concept proposed a sustainable urban village. What “village” on Earth has 20-storey towers? My fear, all along, is that the top of Burnaby Mountain will become a pincushion of tall condo towers resembling Metrotown. Derek Wilson, Port Moody
Legislature: Calm waters weeks campaigning in the Westside-Kelowna byelection, so she hasn’t had much of a physical presence. But there’s no doubt who is in charge, as her byelection win cemented her hold on her party. Just a few months ago, people were plotting to force her out of the job, and now she is firmly steering the ship with apparently calm waters ahead. ◆ B.C.’s first-ever Green party MLA, Andrew Weaver, has demonstrated an ability to get under the skin of the NDP. He isn’t given much opportunity to ask questions in question period, but he does get to vote on things. His
(formerly Sears Hearing Clinic)
was the only one with diving blocks). A few months ago at a meet in Vancouver, we were talking with other parents who expressed displeasure (to put it mildly) at the quality of our facilities and did not enjoy attending our meets. Well, I must say, they are in for a very pleasant surprise next year when they come. Hosting them in such a modern, beautiful facility will be a pleasure.
decision to vote in favour of the B.C. Liberal government’s budget really irritated a number of NDP MLAs, who voiced their objections on social media. Weaver told me he voted for it because the election outcome made it obvious people want a balanced budget, so he was following the public’s lead. He said he didn’t necessarily think the budget will actually be balanced when all is said and done, but he was in favour of at least the concept of a balanced budget (something that sets him apart from the NDP). ◆ Clark has been able to reward most members of her caucus with cabinet posts, parliamentary sec-
retary appointments, committee memberships and caucus positions, most of which come with a boost in salary. Two MLAs, however, have been frozen out: Moira Stilwell and Sam Sullivan. Stilwell has been on the outs with Clark for months, and Sullivan beat Clark for the Vancouver mayoralty some years back. It looks like Clark is not in a forgiving mood towards some people. I wonder whether she will display a similar attitude to some key people in the business community who were less than loyal before her miracle win. Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global B.C.
The Burnaby NOW welcomes letters to the editor. We do, however, edit for taste, legality and length. Priority is given to letters written by residents of Burnaby and/or issues concerning Burnaby. Please include a phone number where you can be reached during the day. Send letters to: The Editor, #201A-3430 Brighton Ave., Burnaby, B.C., V5A 3H4, fax them to 604-444-3460 or e-mail: editorial@burnabynow.com
•NO ATTACHMENTS PLEASE• Letters to the editor and opinion columns may be reproduced on the Burnaby NOW website, burnabynow.com The Burnaby Now is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.
Stuart Lloyd
Owner & Hearing Instrument Practitioner
GRAND NOW OPENING JULY 8, 2013 OPEN!
Voted Best
Voted Best of Burnaby of Burnaby Hearing Centre Hearing Centre for15 15years years for ininaarow! row!
Over 43 years of serving the Burnaby community! Same dedicated team, brand new location. Formerly Sears Hearing Clinic, Lloyd Hearing Solutions will continue to provide the same friendly and professional service you know and trust!
Our Services ! ! ! ! ! !
Locally owned and operated Top notch, professional service High quality products Competitive pricing to suit your budget Free underground parking at rear of building Voted Best of Burnaby Hearing Centre for 15 years in a row!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Call today for a free hearing assessment!
NEW LOCATION! #205–5066 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2E7
604-434-2070