The Editor,
Re. “An amalgamation referendum in ’18” (Letters, The Tri-City News, Aug. 2) and “Amalgamate services but not governments” (Letters, The Tri-City News, July 28)
While I agree with the sentiments expressed by B. Lang in the first referenced letter to the editor, they are trying to win the war that is not practical at this time and will be a distraction from the immediate issue, which is uncontrolled spending by municipalities.
I think a better option is to win battles first by electing council members who have a focus on reducing the growth rate of spending. With these type of people in a position of influence, amalgamation will have a more receptive audience.
I encourage citizens of Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody to seek out candidates with a focus on lowering taxes and encourage those of a similar ilk to run for office.
Bob Elliott, Port Coquitlam
BELCARRA, TOO
The Editor,
I have lived in the Tri-Cities for well over 16 years and also see the need to amalgamate, at least Belcarra into Port Moody. I love where I live and enjoy our community and find now would be the best time to start the conversations and referendum for 2018.
If you look at a map, the Tri-Cities are broken up like an hourglass, with Port Moody, Belcarra and Anmore on one side and pinching in the middle of Coquitlam, then Port Coquitlam on the east doing the same. Amalgamation would bring more consistency and efficiency to the area with government and services. Just zoning and OCP alone would be cleaner and more clear in the area.
Metro Vancouver has a stat that it expects the region’s population to grow by another million people in the next 20 years.
If we expect to have a cohesive plan that is working in the best interests of the residents, it would be a mayor and council responsible for that area and decisions, not divided up with five different councils and five very different agendas.
We have conflict between Coquitlam and PoCo regarding Burke Mountain. There will be conflict over the Flavelle site possibly providing another 7,000 condos and other possible developments along the entire Evergreen Extension.
Lets start the groundswell on amalgamation.
A. Augustyniak, Belcarra
