The Editor,
Re. "Flinn survey says…" (The Tri-City News, Sept. 7).
I am a resident of Port Moody's Ioco Road area and would like to give an alternate perspective to the referenced article.
The survey was entitled “Managing Traffic on Ioco Road.” This looks official at first glance but on examination is a survey by a “civic group” wanting personal information and asking a range of questions on the Ioco traffic. Furthermore, the questions were cleverly crafted, guiding the respondent in the direction where the civic group wanted the opinion to go.
This was followed by a phone survey by a group that identified themselves as TORCH (it may have been TORCA). I told them I would not participate until they gave me the details of their group and who they are representing. After a long conversation, I was not given any information and they ended up hanging up on me. If any of these surveys are used to sway opinion, I would suggest they be disregarded for lack of integrity.
This is not the time to deal with this issue.
Coun. Rob Vagramov’s motion to remove the David Avenue right of way and incorporate the right of way into Bert Flinn Park is ill thought out. Coun. Vagramov told The Tri-City News in an article July 29 that his "motion has nothing to do with any potential development” of the Ioco Lands and further that “it is really rare to have an issue come up that is so obviously supported by the community."
I take issue with both statements. The councillor is fully aware that the Brilliant Circle Group purchased a portion of the Ioco Lands with the full intention of making an application for development. Withdrawing the plan to extend David Avenue would prevent the development from moving forward and could leave the city and taxpayers liable for a major lawsuit.
Furthermore, to make a statement that his motion has the major support of the community is unfounded. I would like to know the source of the facts about how the majority of the 34,000 residents of our community would be in favour of this motion. If he is drawing his conclusion from the Save Bert Flinn Park group, I would suggest that on examination, it's possible a significant part of this group are not residents of Port Moody.
The residents on the north shore of Port Moody feel the impact of the increased level of traffic on Ioco Road particularly in the summer season. The city's Master Transportation Plan, published in March 2005, already pointed out the serious problems on Ioco Road, and with further development in Anmore and Belcarra and the upgrade of Belcarra Park and White Pine Beach, further pressure has been placed on Ioco Road. And if there were ever a natural disaster in Belcarra or Anmore, I would hate to see the consequences as everyone tries to leave the area on the current road system.
Furthermore, the proposed extension of David Avenue through the Bert Flinn Park is part of our OCP noted as “Future Municipal Arterial,” which would become part of the network connecting the regions.
At this juncture, we have not seen any firm plan or application from Brilliant Circle Group on what they are planning for the Ioco site. All opinions on this are pure conjecture.
We are all concerned that any development is done with a balance of protecting our natural environment. Instead of being against any further growth in our community, I believe that we need to look at the potential positives in what could come out of the Ioco Lands.
• The Brilliant Circle Group has chosen a world-renowned Architect, James Cheng, to come up with a complete plan for the area.
• My understanding is that the developer will develop the total site and not piece off portions to other developers, where loss of control over function and design would be a concern.
• The city has been concerned over the cost of completing the bridge over Mossom Creek and the David Road extension. This could be part of the conditions for development and save the taxpayer the cost.
• The David Avenue extension could be constructed in a similar way to the park roadway to Belcarra Regional Park, taking into consideration the sensitivity of the area. Furthermore, the extension would open up the area for more people to benefit by having access to trails and paths in a beautiful area of our community rather than a restricted access to a select few, as currently exists.
• Port Moody is in desperate need of a sewer and water infrastructure upgrades. These are needed with or without the Ioco development. The developer could contribute towards some of the costs, giving taxpayers relief.
• There is a potential to revitalize the Ioco heritage site and buildings, which have been championed by a local group for years — this would not happen without a development taking place.
• There is a potential for opening up another area of waterfront for public access and use in our inlet and take the pressure off Rocky Point Park and Old Orchard Park.
• Port Moody lacks an adult living centre. This would be a terrific location for seniors' housing. As well, affordable housing could be in the mix, as could a small commercial area with boutique shops.
• Traffic flow could be restricted to residents only on Ioco Road.
I would hope Port Moody Council abandon any thought of supporting Coun. Vagramov’s motion and follow through with the vision of our official community plan, ensuring care and consideration is given to our area while providing a growth that can only benefit not only our community, but our whole region and generations to come.
Patrick Dennett, Port Moody
