Dear Editor:
In the interests of the Earth and the future of children, West Vancouver must think more as a global community and not so much as “what is good for my little piece of heaven on earth.”
My wife and I sold our second car three years ago and we ride the 250 and 250B several times a week – along with many other people, I might add. To us and to many others in West Van and West Van workers who live in other municipalities, public transit is a downright necessity, a public right and the future.
Studies have shown the more convenient and accessible public transit is, the more it is used, hence a lower number of cars on the road and less need for parking.
On the matter of parking, my son and his wife live in a condo above some stores on Hastings Street, two blocks west of Nanaimo Street. Up until a few months ago, parking was free but restricted to a maximum of two hours between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. both on Hastings and on side streets. It was almost impossible to find a parking spot when visiting them.
Recently, Vancouver city council installed a pay parking system, where you enter your licence plate number. The parking cost is $1 per hour. Now when we visit we have no trouble finding parking. So the result of that small change is less congestion, more available parking and revenue to the city.
Why doesn’t West Vancouver council bring in the same system between 13th and 19th in Ambleside and 24th Street and 29th Street in Dundarave?
West Vancouver needs paid parking. Ignore special interest groups. Create an overall plan that works for all residents and workers, and that integrates West Vancouver into the big picture – even if this means spending some money on a referendum.
Something has to be done.
West Vancouver is not an island. Unfortunately, the view from outside looking in, is that it most certainly is.
Michael Trigg
West Vancouver
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