Dear Editor,
[Re: LETTER – 240 Street is quickly becoming a freeway, The News, Nov. 28].
I am writing in response to letters from Marie Robson regarding Maple Ridge needing more parks, not high-density townhome projects; and from Sandy Lewke regarding 240 Street is quickly becoming a freeway.
I want to add two other perspectives to this development issue.
First, what are the projected impacts on the watershed of all those buildings being constructed on the former Wynnyk farm, just a few hundred yards up the hill from Kanaka Creek?
There are approximately 60 trees growing along Kanaka Creek Road that are marked with pink spray paint. Are they marked to be saved? Or, as I suspect, cut down?
Were studies and models done to assess and project what will happen when most of that land is covered with hard surfaces? How will that affect the stream flows and habitats? If studies and models were done, were they made public? I would like to see them. If studies weren’t done, then this development needs to be paused, re-thought, and re-designed.
Every time we cut down trees and cover up the land with concrete, asphalt, and cement, we are impacting the watershed upon which we all depend for life. Hard surfaces don’t absorb water, and more water goes into storm drains.
During heavy rain events, I see Kanaka Creek water levels rise so quickly because of all the urban runoff. Heavy water flows scour the stream banks and contribute to flooding.
Second, who are we really designing and building these townhomes for? This will be a car-centered community. The buildings dominate, there is no meaningful green space being incorporated into the neighbourhood.
It is scientifically established that access to nature is essential for human health.
Transit is woefully inadequate.
Where is the local centre for necessities—groceries, drug store, etc. within walking and biking distance? Everyone has to drive clogged roads to do their shopping.
As the climate crisis deepens over the next decade, we are condemning the next generations to an unlivable community.
The process of community planning and development needs to change to become truly reflective of the vision of its citizens who have a long-term interest.
The priorities of short-term municipal tax revenues and developer profits are not serving the needs of the folks who live and work here through the generations.
Holly Arntzen, Maple Ridge
LETTER – Council needs to consider long-term livability in Maple Ridge