The Editor:
Re: New West council supports development of Columbia Square plan — but it’s not a done deal (Oct. 28, 2024)
New Westminster city council, it is a mistake to redevelop Columbia Square into six or eight high-rises as proposed by Edgar Developments.
About 60 years ago, Columbia Square was seen by the planning department and council as necessary to the community.
If anything, it is even more needed today than it was then.
There is a disconnect between the community's needs and the developer's — and let's not be confused about the reasons for this development: profits over the needs of the community.
Where is the parking? What about schools and other needed amenities including affordable space for the many small businesses?
Adding many new concrete high-rises and thousands of new residences in a city that has become less livable with traffic gridlock is irresponsible.
- Bill Zander and Frances Bickerstaff, New Westminster
