Dear Editor:
Re: Too many cities, too much money, Burnaby NOW, Opinion, Nov. 8.
With respect to Mr. Travis's opinion piece, it is open for debate whether our elected officials are paid too handsomely for the work they do as part of Metro Vancouver or how much power this regional body of governance actually possesses. We do need to cooperate regionally on many issues including development, transit, policing, food security and so on. Sometimes the aspirations of the region and local municipalities will be at odds, and those are times when real leadership is needed.
Last week, Delta city council approved the rezoning of 530 acres of farmland near Boundary Bay and Beach Grove to build 950 homes and approximately 80,000 square feet of commercial space. This was done despite intense opposition from local residents. It was also done knowing that the region has designated the area in question as a green zone.
Consequently, the final decision rests with Metro Vancouver's regional planning and agriculture committee, which is chaired by Mayor Derek Corrigan. The voting on this committee is weighted, so larger municipalities like Burnaby have more influence on decisions than smaller ones.
I hope the mayor uses his votes and influence to stand up for the local residents of Delta who were ignored by their council. The need of the region to protect the sensitive environment of Boundary Bay and the need for local food security should not be trumped by a wealthy developer and a council that is acting against the interests and the agreed upon plans of the region.
Rick McGowan, Burnaby
