Dear Editor:
When I see pictures of streets with vegetation growing out of the sidewalks and curbs, I think of the economic troubles of the rust belt in the USA. Ironically, I live in the highest priced area in the District of North Vancouver - Edgemont Village - and yet I get to see the same thing.
The empty lot (former gas station) on Woodbine and Queens has grass and plants growing out of the light posts, and the curbs have vegetation growing knee high and rising. This location also seems to be a dumping ground for unwanted furniture.
I called the district and was informed that my concerns were not a priority. The parks department is planting annuals now and it is a splendid display, surely I must agree that this takes priority?!
Well I don't agree.
Perhaps the parks department should spend money on maintaining what we have rather than spending more on new plantings!
I suggested to the parks department employee that perhaps if herbicide spraying had not been banned then the resources would be available to do both. (I was employed in my university summer years in Edmonton and was on their parks weed and mosquito department. We would start spraying at 4 a.m. until about 6 a.m.)
Even though government scientists (whom we entrust with making sure the food, water and other goods we use are safe) have said the herbicides banned by district council are safe, this council decided it knows better and banned them anyway.
I am not pleased my $9,300 property tax bill does not get me well maintained streets and boulevards.
Ted Shandro North Vancouver
