Dear Editor,
Re: “Steveston Buck and Ear sold,” News, May 28.
Whilst reporting the changes coming up in Steveston, the News has raised the issue of the present status of Steveston.
It appears that the heritage tag is choking the businesses. We have seen old, established businesses closing down as they are losing trade to online commerce. These people may have to demolish older buildings and put up new buildings that can support the kind of activities that can survive in a resort.
Sometimes, I wonder how a street can be classified as a place of heritage if it has no buildings with character or features that depict the skills of the trade of those days or architecture reminiscent of that period. Just because a building is old or built in 1895 or 1900 does not make it a monument that should be preserved. Rather, it should be demolished and replaced with a modern building.
What legacy will Steveston leave behind for future generations? A derelict town full of old buildings with no character but only history?
I can see a bright future for Steveston if it builds up into a modern niche resort with a magnificent pier and shopping and eating places on it.
Look at Brighton in the UK, it is a big city but still has a pier and a thriving business community at the waterfront with small shops.
Steveston has a good fishing industry that can supplement the town’s economy.
This is food for thought; the city needs to relook at Steveston’s future planning.
S.Ramji
Richmond
