Editor, The News:
Re: A weekend in Maple Ridge’s tent city.
Chris Bossley said she didn’t ‘understand the mentality of those who attack people when they are down.’
I do not know who she is referring to, but perhaps those who, like myself, do not think the proposed Royal Terrace low-barrier facility is the best solution to answer the needs of those who lack housing and who may also be struggling with substance abuse.
I have not heard anyone concerned about the proposed development voice any such sentiments. I did see a banner at Anita Place saying ‘Homes not Hate.’ I have not seen anything like hate, and I feel nothing but empathy for those forced to live in conditions of privation.
It is extremely unfortunate that we have been presented, still to many a big surprise, with such a divisive issue. And with, it seems, very little time to do anything constructive about it.
What has been lacking is the appropriate community process, where all residents – with homes or without – to get together to find a mutually agreeable solution.
I remember, years ago, the community planning process in Silver Valley, in which I was privileged to participate. That is not to say we will have that kind of time and money now, but surely, if various members of government, both municipal and provincial, have not been able to come up with anything satisfactory, there is nothing to prevent residents themselves from getting together for their mutual interest.
Sheila Smyth
Maple Ridge