The Editor,
Re. “Burquitlam project one step away” (The Tri-City News, June 3).
Burquitlam has been ignored for decades from an investment standpoint. As the area transforms in the coming years, voices promoting investment in the region need to be stronger than ever.
But uncertainty created by the prospect of redevelopment is causing divestment in the area.
Recently, our community learned about the closure of the medical clinic and lab in Burquitlam plaza. These facilities serve thousands of people in the area. I’ve heard the businesses could not agree on a long-term lease with the property owner, presumably because of looming redevelopment of Burquitlam Plaza.
We’re also seeing playground apparatus being removed from our local school in Oakdale and no prospect of replacement.
I’ve always been in favour of development that leaves the area in better condition than it was found. Development in Burquitlam to date has a mixed record in this regard. But these latest occurrences have clearly had a depreciating impact on our community.
Ben Craig, Coquitlam
