Open letter to mayor and council,
Re: “Loft repairs illogical,” and “Mourn loft loss, then move on,” Letters, Feb. 27.
I am a long-time Steveston resident and lived many years at Pacific Coast Camp next door to the Britannia Shipyard site.
More recently, once retired, I have involved myself in the local history, primarily related to the Japanese-Canadian community.
I always receive compliments during the walking tours I host about the history and preservation of historic buildings from those who participate in these tours.
I believe that the current city council, as well as previous councils, has valued the preservation and promotion of our community heritage in a fiscally responsible manner.
A balance between sporting venues, cultural and heritage is necessary in a community as no one endeavor is more important than the other.
I am also concerned about the example we send to other levels of government, especially the Steveston Harbour Authority, who still have many heritage buildings under their control.
If we are not willing to invest in heritage protection, how can we demand that of others?
I think you just need to walk from London Farm in the east, along the waterfront trail to Britannia Shipyards, Murakami House, back into the Steveston town and finally stop at the Gulf of Georgia Historic Cannery to realize that these are all jewels representing Steveston’s past.
Many will recall the fight to save Garry Point Park from development, yet here it sits today as the crown jewel of the many public endeavors along Steveston’s waterfront.
It is unfortunate that the Net Loft building has fallen into such disrepair necessitating extensive renovations.
But once lost, buildings such as the net loft can never be regained.
I ask everyone to think about whether the preservation of our community heritage is any less important than, say, building a new ice rink or swimming pool?
Kelvin Higo
RICHMOND
