Dear editor,
It is disappointing and seems undeserved that our beautiful Comox Valley has been getting bad press in the BCAA news magazine recently. I was just as upset over it as most of the people in our Valley.
But, perhaps it is time to look a little closer at what recent developments and projects have done to our Valley and have a critical look at how we plan for growth in population and increase in the number of cars on our roads. Will we get even more bad press if we continue going in the same direction?
It just happens that the Comox Valley Cycling Task Force and the CV Cycling Coalition are bringing in Gil Penalosa, a consultant on urban planning to create "Vibrant Cities, Healthy Communities, Great Places and Happy People."
Mr. Penalosa has been successful in helping many cities all over the planet to change from being totally automobile oriented to encouraging people to walk, cycle or use public transport for mobility. Most of these cities have found that in the long term this turned out to be less expensive and turned their communities in to better places to live in.
I encourage politicians and key staff from Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland and the Regional District to take the time to see Mr. Penalosa's presentation this Thursday evening, 7 to 9 in the Native Sons Hall, and join him the next morning in Comox for workshops for politicians (9 to 10:30) and key staff (11 to 2).
Without their attendance at these events Mr. Penalosa's visit will be of little value. I think there is enough we can learn from Mr. Penalosa to change the way we plan for growth to give our Valley more positive mention in future travel magazine articles .
The general public is invited to the keynote presentation on Thursday evening 7 to 9 in the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay. Tickets are free and available in all the local rec centres and bike shops. Some will also be available at the door if you get there early enough (doors open at 6:30).
It will be important to have a good turnout at this event to show politicians that most of our population is concerned about preserving the quality of life in our valley.
Ed Schum,
Courtenay