Dear Editor:
While I realize Elizabeth James’ Just Asking column on North Shore light rail transit published Wednesday, April 1, in the North Shore News, was an April Fool’s hoax, I do not find it so far fetched!
In fact, I would be far more favourably inclined to vote Yes on the Metro Vancouver Transportation and Transit Plebiscite if the above was indeed on the table!
It was on June 12, 2013, while in the heat of the 1300-block of Marine Drive Grosvenor Development debate, that I wrote a letter to West Vancouver mayor and council with the following excerpt: Cruise ship and Rocky Mountain Tours tourists passing by must often wonder what this charming municipality consists of? Make this a tourist destination with a pretty hotel for them to stay in. Tourists going to Whistler could break their journey. This will bring life and vibrancy from which to build around with interesting gift shops, etc. In time perhaps, there could be a small station for the train to drop off tourists, and a ferry from the cruise ship terminal to bring over their passengers.
Think outside the box of more condos, more of the same shops that already exist in Park Royal. Bring in some tourism dollars. Our beautiful waterfront will give tourists a chance to stretch their legs and breathe in our ambiance, enjoy what we are lucky to have. Let us capitalize on what we have, our natural attributes!
As a senior, I am looking at the day when I will be giving up my car. More so, with the ever increasing Marine Drive/Taylor Way traffic bottleneck with the proposed 752 Marine Drive monster development!
I and many others, would be absolutely thrilled to ride small light-rail transit between Deep Cove and Horseshoe Bay. (At the moment, I rarely, if ever, drive to Deep Cove or Horseshoe Bay.)
This light rail would be wonderful for getting out and about for shopping and dining.
With convenient stops from Deep Cove and, including, at Ambleside, John Lawson, Dundarave and Horseshoe Bay parks. It would also enable families with young children fun excursions!
The small carriages could be prettily painted and decorated and become a colourful delight to watch go by, running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer months and in fewer daylight hours in the winter. Even ferry commuters would find it very convenient. The net benefit would mean fewer cars on the roads.
Now my plebiscite vote would be a resounding Yes.
Christine Ballantine
West Vancouver
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