The Editor,
A question I had for candidates in Coquitlam's recent council byelection election was "Please advise your major campaign financial contributors." Development companies and real estate firms were high on the list, as they were for our current mayor and councillors.
It is becoming apparent there is a disconnect between the vision a majority of homeowners in established areas of Coquitlam have for the future of their neighbourhoods and what Coquitlam council is allowing to happen. It is challenging for our elected officials to balance the goals of financial contributors with the goals of long-term residents.
How many of us have been told an oversize house on our block is desirable because everyone wants to get the most out of valuable land? I believe a significant percentage of the population gets value by way of residing in an area likely to maintain its character. Their value is a home of good quality that will last a while with renovations, is in a good location to raise a family and will be paid for soon enough - save for ever increasing taxes.
Having a reasonable sized home on a large lot is not a sin. This preserves the continuity of Coquitlam's urban forest and connecting green space. Demolishing perfectly good, affordable homes in order to build a monument is a sin. Our established neighbourhoods are being decimated by overly large, out-of-character homes.
Coquitlam has new areas for construction of such oversize houses so there is no advantage to altering the character of our well-established neighbourhoods, other than financial gain for real estate agents and developers - and, of course, higher taxes for the city.
Council is consciously allowing the removal of affordable, good quality, single detached homes from the market. I know the hair on the top of my head has worn off from being patted by elected officials. They say I am in the minority and they know best. They say they have it all figured out. I don't believe them.
If you don't, either, then phone, email or visit your mayor and councillors.
Ken Holowanky, Coquitlam
