Dear Editor:
Re: ‘Insane Development Mania’ Must Stop, Sept. 3 Mailbox.
I would like to respond to Mr. Wordsworth’s letter to the editor. His concern that the residents of Edgemont Village have been ignored in order to, in his words, “over-densify and pollute a once pleasant and friendly community” is ignorant of the facts, and offensive to anyone who grew up in that community.
He complains of pollution due to traffic jams due to the Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain. I suspect when he moved to the North Shore (or was born there) both of those attractions were already present, as the suspension bridge was built in 1889 and has been a tourist attraction since 1910, and Grouse has been a popular destination since 1930. When he chose to purchase a home in the area he was fully aware of the existence of these attractions and could have chosen to live elsewhere.
As for his concern about development in the area, I’m sure Mr. Wordsworth is not complaining about the sizable increase in his property value in the past 30 years, and he is the one that stands in the best position to ‘cash in’ from the development of the neighbourhood.
My experience is the neighbourhood is still full of friendly and pleasant people. I suggest to Mr. Wordsworth that he speak with the new residents of the area, regardless of their race or creed, and I’m sure he will find the same.
His letter is a classic example of a generation facing change they are not comfortable with. I encourage Mr. Wordsworth to embrace the evolution of the North Vancouver community, the diversity that comes to it, and the affordable housing that comes with density.
I grew up on the North Shore and would love to continue to live here; however, current housing prices preclude that – despite receiving a formal education and having gainful employment.
Density that comes with apartments and condos will allow me to afford to live in a community I’m proud to call home.
Bring on the development, and the economic prosperity the local tourist attractions bring.
Richard Merinsky
North Vancouver