Dear Editor:
Voters in the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding are likely to be interested in learning more about Jordan Sturdy, the B.C. Liberal candidate. As mayor of Pemberton, Jordan Sturdy has shown limited willingness to listen to his constituents and questionable fiscal management. Since October 2012, at least 320 locals have expressed their opposition to a proposed river diversion or run-of-river project on Pemberton Creek through signing petitions, sending letters and attending council meetings. Such a project would ruin the stunning waterfall, negatively impact the spawning area used by Coho salmon, contaminate a source of drinking water and not be of economic benefit to Pemberton or the province. The Village of Pemberton is promoting a river diversion project on Pemberton Creek in an attempt to make up for the huge budgetary shortfall caused by the construction of Pemberton's community centre. The latter ended up costing more than three times its original budget.
Notwithstanding public opposition, council issued a request for expression of interest and on April 25 about 170 Pemberton residents attended a public meeting, hoping to learn about the submissions received. Instead the public was merely presented with three concepts - two river diversion projects and maintaining Pemberton Creek in its natural state - while the proponents' names were not even disclosed. Not surprisingly, the public virtually unanimously expressed their support to maintain Pemberton Creek in its natural state. It remains to be seen whether Mayor Jordan Sturdy is listening now or whether he will continue to waste taxpayers' money on this flawed and unnecessary process.
Louise Taylor, Pemberton
