Dear Editor:
As a former White Rock/South Surrey resident, I thought I would share some experience with you.
We are very new to Summerland. We moved here for the arid climate, beauty, peace and friendliness of your town.
Some of my friends tell me that Summerland is like 40 years ago which is not to say it is behind the times, but more aptly charming.
White Rock was like that too until a certain new neighbour moved in called Bosa Development.
All things must and will change so they say but it should be what the people want and not what Big Business wants. It starts out with the promises of more tax base to help the growing community.
White Rock was and still is struggling to pay for all their services.
Now comes the “How come me too.” You let one developer in and now the next one wants in and within a 10-year period you are looking at human filing cabinets in the sky just like White Rock.
So much for OCP (Official Community Plan). Much to the chagrin of the community it is rapidly expanding and so are the taxes and aggressive nature.
The major point here is that more tax revenue from business development does not mean less taxes for you.
Currently White Rock’s water has gone from super clean thanks to an underground aquifer, to currently brown and the city planners and engineers can’t figure it out.
It has been going on for months and the well to do who pay the highest taxes in White Rock are miffed.
Now White Rock Council and experts are planning a multi-level parking lot by the beach. It’s a beach, go figure.
You play with nature and you play with fire.
Ask yourselves what two developments are currently being proposed in your peaceful town that are knocking on your door with promises of more development, more jobs and more money — for the people!
If we don’t want it then say so loudly. Don’t expect someone else will take care of it.
We really like this town and already I am hearing voices of discontent from intelligent educated people who know more than I.
Let us listen before it is too late.
Less is more many times.
We don’t really need fancy sidewalks on every street now do we?
We read a sign across from the Beanery which states as a town motto “Celebrate Community, Cherish Home.”
Makes good sense to us.
Brian Udal
Summerland