The Editor:
Burnaby City Hall should be built on the existing site if it truly needs to be completely demolished. The purported reason for not doing so is the need for temporary buildings. Well, why doesn't council just wait a few years? The law courts are empty. The RCMP building will be empty once their new building across Canada Way is complete. Those two buildings could be demolished and a new city hall built while employees stay in the existing building. There is also a huge unused portion of property on the northeast portion of the existing site.
Moving to Metrotown would mean writing off all the money already spent on the Bob Prittie Library renovation, which is underway, and the large solar parking lot recently installed at city hall.
Given the recent need to revise plans for the new C.G. Brown Pool due to rising construction costs, wouldn't it be wise for council to take a deep breath and sit back.
I wonder if a backroom deal has already been reached with regard to the property on Canada Way. What are council's plans for this very desirable piece of property currently occupied by the RCMP and city hall?
Bonda Bitzer
