To the editor:
Re: “Talks break down between CP and City of Vancouver,” Sept. 12.
I’m not a gardener but I’m very concerned about the outcome of this ongoing dispute between the city and CP, especially now, for reasons involving proposed coal and oil exports in this region.
Negotiations between the city and CP broke down again because CP wants $100 million and the city only wants to pay $20 million. I’m no expert on land values, but I know this stretch of land is worth much more than $20 million. And I know, too, that if this issue is not resolved, land value is only going to increase and with what CP is planning to do with that corridor now, that value could soar. As much as people do not like CP, I understand that many people do not trust the city either.
What is the possibility of launching a massive campaign where the citizens of Vancouver, particularly those of us who live in the affected areas, raise money to buy off that land from CP? Of course, there are many, many things that need to be sorted out. But I cannot see why these things could not be sorted out if we all keep in mind what is in the best interest of the land and the people who live here.
We live in one of the richest cities in the world. Even the poorest among us are better off than most people in this world. A hundred million is a mere pittance. It may not be individually for some people, but I am sure that there are multi-millionaires or even billionaires in the area who might lose out on their own property values with an operating railroad next door to their place. I am sure that there are businesses and corporations who could benefit being involved. Maybe a foundation could be established somehow. I am sure that with proper publicity, we can easily get many of us to pitch in something that will add up to success because if we don’t, our quality of life here might be severely jeopardized.
To me this could save a million headaches. Aggression and aggravation could be eradicated if we as citizens just laid this controversy to rest, once and for all. It’s amazing the money that seems to come out of the woodwork for worthy causes. Why can’t this be one of them?
Frances Dietz,
Vancouver
