Facebook Page Raises Harbour Concerns
The above image links to a new Facebook Page aimed at raising the public awareness of the issues surrounding the pending leasing of the harbour to private interests for 30 years.
There is a letter on the site from MLA Leonard Krog addressed to the Port Authority and the Mayor and City Council raising his concerns about the deal in it's present form. The letter is lengthy and makes many valid points, one paragraph that stands out states:
"I am not convinced by the information I have received to date that this proposed development will operate in the economic interests of the community or for the benefit of local residents or our local economy."
"I am not convinced by the information I have received to date that this proposed development will operate in the economic interests of the community or for the benefit of local residents or our local economy."
The site claims that 78% of people polled are opposed to the sale of the harbour and whether or not it will be harmful to residents of Protection Island, downtown merchants and the commercial fishing fleet.
If enough citizens don't wake up and pay attention, this, like many backroom deals will be complete with no public input whatsoever. If you don't think selling the inner harbour to a private company for 30 years for $9 million is a good idea, visit the page and add your voice.
Comment: It appears that city council thinks the deal is a good one, based on their silence on the matter. I have sent a letter to MP James Lunney and am still awaiting a reply. This is far too serious a decision to be made by the management team at the NPA and requires far more public input than is presently happening. As usual if you expect your 'leaders' to actually lead, you have to show them which direction you want them to lead. Kudos to Leonard Krog for actually expressing his concerns in this matter unlike our Federal MPs who should likely be more directly involved. As for city council, expecting direction from that assembly, just won't happen.
Comment: It appears that city council thinks the deal is a good one, based on their silence on the matter. I have sent a letter to MP James Lunney and am still awaiting a reply. This is far too serious a decision to be made by the management team at the NPA and requires far more public input than is presently happening. As usual if you expect your 'leaders' to actually lead, you have to show them which direction you want them to lead. Kudos to Leonard Krog for actually expressing his concerns in this matter unlike our Federal MPs who should likely be more directly involved. As for city council, expecting direction from that assembly, just won't happen.
Sounds like the 'old boys club' are at it again. They can't possibly do this deal without proper public input and evaluation. What is it with this mayor and council? Nanaimo is supposed to be a democracy but these people treat it much like their own personal fiefdom.
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