Dear Editor:
Re: “Chiefs call for school to be built on another site,” Record, Thursday, May 5.
The vital phrase in this article is “…without adequate consultation.” There does need to be consultation, compromise and listening to all sides concerned. There is no need for an Orwellian war in a perpetual stalemate. This issue has been ongoing for literally generations. It is unfortunate that bad things were done in the past, showing no respect, but there is no way to change the past, and it is certainly not desirable to live in the past for the whole 21st century. Something appropriate and respectful, then a necessary move to the future is better for the whole community. They have so much to lose. Instead of self-important and self-righteous diatribes flying in all directions, our whole community needs compromise and listening. It has been over 30 years.
A lucid, rational debate is better than fleeing from discussion and seeking outside factions for reinforcements. That implies merely an admission of weakness. The best argument was written by Susie Poulsen: “The cemetery should be decommissioned properly and respectfully. A memorial should be erected... in the form of a double gymnasium for the entire school, community and the City of New West. The gymnasium can be named after any notable persons or groups and a historical memorial gallery can be created in the lobby outside the gymnasiums in their honour…” (Facebook, Record, Thursday, May 12).
That is a splendid example of a thoughtful, considerate compromise, but who is listening? After over 30 years of consideration, no other feasible site has been found. Better education is what needs to be done. The consequences of doing nothing more are too serious, and the whole community has so much to lose.
Terry Hilmar, New Westminster
