Dear Editor: Re: Neighbourhoods at risk, Letters to the Editor, The Record, Aug. 23.
I agree with Tony Williams that the biggest threat to New Westminster's beloved neighbourhoods is the ongoing impact of through-traffic on our local roads and inadequate protection for pedestrians and the sanctity of our public spaces. What I don't share is the sense of helplessness expressed by Mr. Williams.
Instead, I am optimistic about our neighbourhoods, for good reasons. New Westminster is completing a new master transportation plan that makes "alternative transportation" (public transit, cycling, walking) a priority over cars. The Metro region is adopting livability strategies and regional transportation plans that make the same emphases, despite our provincial government's insistence on building unsustainable freeways.
It seems our community is turning a corner. When the UBE threatened to worsen New Westminster's through-traffic problem, this community rallied to stop it, and now the North Fraser Perimeter Road idea no longer looms over our downtown. Where a six-lane replacement for the Pattullo Bridge was considered a fait accompli two years ago, a more realistic assessment of local traffic needs is now occurring. Meanwhile, we are growing denser residential neighbourhoods and expanding adjacent employment and retail space so our residents can live, work, shop, and play without relying on cars and suffering the daily traffic grind.
The threats to the livability of our community are real, but the solutions are visible and achievable. Instead of feeling helpless, take action. Support the TransLink referendum, as funding expansion of our transit system is the only realistic alternative to building freeways through our community.
Tell council that you support a master transportation plan that protects our neighbourhoods and makes them safe for pedestrians.
Add your voice to those rallying against regional freeway expansion.
Like everything we value, our neighborhood livability requires only occasional effort, but constant vigilance, to protect.
Patrick Johnstone,
New Westminster
