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Building overcrowding needs to stop

The Editor, We recently read of the fire marshall in Vancouver invoking a ban on building occupancy, limiting the number of people in a building to a safe level. Not in Richmond, though. On New Years Eve, at about 10:30 p.m.

The Editor,

We recently read of the fire marshall in Vancouver invoking a ban on building occupancy, limiting the number of people in a building to a safe level.

Not in Richmond, though.

On New Years Eve, at about 10:30 p.m., we decided to leave the River Rock Casino.

The number of people crammed into the casino was becoming ridiculous.

In my opinion, the loading of the casino was an accident waiting to happen. It took nearly 10 minutes to force our way out.

Is there no limit to the number of people allowed into the premises at any one time?

Has the City of Richmond no policy to establish maximum occupancy and more important, to enforce this limit?

In my opinion, this whole situation was an irresponsible farce. Many more people than the casino was designed to accomodate, and no one willing to stop it.

But then, of course, this is Richmond, and who expects any logic from our government. They are too busy trying to cram more buildings into our poor overcrowded city centre.

Which one of our overpaid bureaucrats will attempt to answer this question of lack of control or responsibility?

Terrence Murphy

Richmond