Dear editor,
In response to the Aug. 24 article in the Comox Valley Record concerning the traffic patterns that have changed due to the construction on the Fifth Street Bridge, I would like to make the following comment.
The article stated that, "If you don't have to go downtown or if you don't have to travel over there, don't do it." However, there was no statement made concerning the change of the traffic patterns on Lerwick and Ryan Road and asking people to stay away from the businesses that exist in that area.
As an employee working in the downtown core, this statement does not help the business community of Courtenay. The business community in Courtenay are struggling to keep their doors open and to maintain their employee base.
Statements like this are not helpful to the success of the business community in Courtenay.
Marilyn Sedo,
Comox Valley
Editor's note: We sympathize with business owners in the Comox Valley, which naturally includes downtown Courtenay — for years one of the quaintest downtown shopping experiences left in Canada. The statement cited was made by an RCMP constable and meant as good advice during temporary traffic congestion and was not intended to ask people "to stay away from businesses." The City of Courtenay is doing some of the bridge work next week at night and we hope that people who love shopping downtown will continue to do so.