Dear Editor:
I am proud of the many - the hundreds - of fellow New Westminster citizens who stood up to city council and helped prevent destruction of Queen's Park and valuable park facilities, which include the baseball stadium, heritage stand, and the playing field.
Together we signed petitions, attended council meetings, made passionate and strong, logical presentations to council, sent letters, marched in a rally, posted on social media ... and we accomplished something near impossible - we made city council listen to people!
Queen's Park is safe for now from bulldozers and chainsaws, at least for the next two months until upcoming local elections.
Let's make no mistake.
Our council members changed their mind only after realizing they face a massive election loss if they approve this proposal against the "will of the people" (just like in Whistler in last elections where mayor and all councillors lost their seats after making an unpopular decision).
We know now that many council members really wanted to approve this proposal. Otherwise why would they allow it to proceed all the way to final vote, despite causing lots of stress, frustration, division in the community? Council could and should have declined this proposal before signing the memorandum of understanding because, for example, this proposal clearly violates the Queen's Park official plan.
I am afraid that the same council members, if given a chance, would not hesitate to bring the same proposal, or something similarly unacceptable, again after getting re-elected.
We have won the "battle," but we still need to win the "war." Let's actively vote on Nov. 15 and elect candidates who will ensure a permanent protection for Queen's Park, and other city parks, for use and enjoyment of all New Westminster residents.
Vladimir Kras, New Westminster
