The downtown fire blazed its way to the top of our online reader’s poll for Story of the Year.
Out of 145 people who weighed in (at press time), 65 votes (45 per cent of the total vote) found it to be the single most important issue of the year.
In a distant second was transportation issues, which includes bridge and road woes. It received 25 votes (17 per cent of the vote) in the poll.
The Hyack feud and the New Westminster school district’s budget issues were close with 20 (14 per cent) and 18 votes (12 per cent), respectively.
The proposed coal facility directly across the river at Fraser Surrey Dock received just eight votes (six per cent of the vote).
Meanwhile, a none-of-the-above option garnered more votes – seven (five per cent) – than railway noise/safety, which only earned two votes and one per cent of the vote.
The Record staff also selected the fire as the Story of the Year (see page 3).
The devastating downtown fire destroyed half a block, including the iconic Copp’s shoes building.
