Dear Editor,
Re: “BC Liberals want city to act,” News, Jan. 23
MLA Linda Reid is concerned about Richmond city council sending mixed messages about protecting farmland, yet allowing 11,000 sq. ft. mansions; she chastises them for trying to have a foot in each camp.
Really? MLA Reid should remember that it was her government that created unenforceable guidelines that did nothing to protect farmland.
MLA Reid should remember that it was her government that did not include ALR (agricultural land reserve) farmland in the 15 per cent foreign buyers tax program.
MLA Reid should remember that Richmond city council officially requested help from her government on both these issues and received nothing.
Speculation has been occurring on farmland because it is 15 per cent cheaper than a city lot, and builders can build massive mansions, the likes of which have never been seen until recently. To say that ALR is attractive to speculators would be an understatement easily confirmed by a quick drive down Steveston Highway, No. 2 Road, or Sidaway Road, for example.
The ALR mega–mansion issue we have today was created and perpetuated by MLA Reid and other BC Liberal MLAs over the last 16 years. Instead of complaining about the problems they caused, perhaps she and our other elected Richmond MLAs can present solutions that don’t involve passing the buck to Richmond city council.
For MLAs Reid and Jas Johal to speak out now to protect our “gorgeous farmland” when they had every opportunity to protect our farmland while in government… Well, I don’t think they can have a foot in each camp, either.
Kelly Greene
RICHMOND
