Editor:
A recent letter about the current civic government’s trend of spending notes that previous, more conservative governments had historically built huge reserves of capital, through so-called fiscal restraint.
Seems I’ve heard that term before. Where did all that money go? The reserve must have been massive, considering the previous regime’s propensity for not spending. The writer goes on to say he hopes the new(er) regime starts being a little more responsible, fiscally, moving forward, as he may have noticed there has been a fair amount of spending in recent years.
From what I’ve seen and experienced in Burnaby, over my 30 something years here, is that there was such a tight leash on spending that we have gotten to a state of public suffering unlike anywhere I know of with such unbelievable resources. Suffering from lack of updated public infrastructure such as parks and recreation facilities, and sidewalks, and housing policies that help make it more affordable to live in our community. I was recently working in an area where there were no sidewalks. This road intersects with a major throughway, and when cars turn onto this narrow neighborhood access, they are mostly driving too fast, as they are used to the pace of the main road. With cars parked on the curbs, as close as 20 feet from the corner, and potentially on both sides of the road, pedestrians are relegated to walking on the center of the narrow road.
While working in the area for a week, I was witness to several near-misses. The actual property lines are probably six feet back of the street curbs, which would allow for a sidewalk, at least on one side of the street, but some hedges and trees have encroached on the mostly grassy space, so even if someone tried to walk off the street and risk slipping in the muddy area, they would have to navigate around the obstacles by entering the roadway.
The city has, in the last couple of years, been building sidewalks in many areas. When I see all the construction, I noticed other areas still waiting and I can’t believe there are still so many streets without sidewalks. I’d like to know the numbers from then and now. Still not where it should be.
The new ice arena facility has been sorely needed in the south area of the city, and the city’s purchase of the Fortius facility was a terrific acquisition. The now-underway replacement of CG Brown pool has been much anticipated. Although I believe the City has handed out rezoning permits like candy at Hats Off Day Parade, they have made some effort to dictate that developers “develop,” and follow closely, the community plans for those areas, including designated space for parks and requirements for parking spaces, schools, shopping, and other infrastructure like storm sewers, water line maintenance (Lougheed and Winston).
Honestly, from what I understand, Burnaby has been one of the “have” cities for years and years. I have no idea how the “nest egg” couldn’t be even bigger than it was, seeing the negligent lack of spending I’ve witnessed for a long time. It’s about time. I think that the city’s recent announcement that there are plans to build a new multimillion-dollar city hall may be adding to the previous letter author’s grievances.
I agree in that it needs to be a good investment for the future. It may be that there is a want for the location to be closer to Metrotown. Not opposed, as long as it isn’t a huge waste. The worst political spending is redundant or politically motivated, seemingly regardless of the cost ― the Massey tunnel replacement, fast ferries development (or sale, depending on your view). I hope the city government makes a good, publicly supported decision on the new city hall. Good record on decisions so far.
Stan Gardner
