The Editor,
On April 2, as I was driving westbound on Como Lake Avenue, passing Dr. Charles Best secondary school, l pulled over to ask a flag person why the median that was newly constructed by Fortis just last summer, was now being ripped apart.
She replied that the city was putting in a sprinkler system for trees that will be planted within the centre of the median.
I am both confused and frustrated at the city’s justification for this needless “fluff” project. This flagrant disregard for taxpayers’ money couldn’t come at a worse time. Many families in our community could benefit from the money spent on this project.
Another very important concern is the safety of students crossing Come Lake Avenue. Driver and pedestrian visibility is obstructed by trees in the median. Take, for example, the trees lining the median on Austin Avenue, between Marmont and Nelson streets. As well, we all know that with trees, come roots. And roots will eventually lift the pavement.
I’m not sure who voted in favour of this project, but I’m pretty sure that it was planned before Fortis completed their exemplary paving job on Como Lake Avenue.
To city council: please stop wasting our money on futile projects, and consider providing for the basic needs of our residents (affordable housing, supporting local food banks, providing adequate lighting on residential streets, etc.). That‘s your responsibility, and what you were elected to do.
Signed: Fed up with Fluff
Reni Bontempo, Coquitlam
