Sample Letter

Dear Decision Makers and Stewards of UBC and GVRD,

I strongly oppose the current proposal for the development of towers near Wreck beach. The level of housing is far too dense for the site and the towers will have a profoundly negative impact on viewscapes from the beach and park, as well as on other park values.  I strongly recommend that UBC use an alternative location or design to reduce the impact of this development on the park and beach. The two 18-storey Phase II towers must be lowered on this site.

Vancouver is fortunate to be surrounded by a natural beauty not often seen in other urban settings - this is indeed one of the city's greatest assets, openly envied by so many others around the world. The coastal areas around UBC, including Wreck beach, are immensely popular places for people to enjoy what we all love about this region: a space surrounded by ocean and forests and free from architectural development.

Although clothing optional areas have obvious special needs for privacy, all park users benefit from the fabulous views and sense of wildness they get from being on the beaches. These users include students, foreign visitors, local families and everyone else who values the natural spaces surrounding the university. Who wants to look up from the beach at the magnificent sight of a soaring eagle, only to see a tower looming above? I would like to know how many visitors to our city will still want to come and spend money here once the views they enjoy are gone. As development continues at its rapid pace throughout the rest of the city, it is absolutely imperative that our parks departments fulfil their duty to protect our increasingly valuable natural spaces, not only for current and future generations, but to maintain the ecological and geological integrity of the area.

It is my understanding that the current governing bodies of UBC aim to capitalize on Vancouver 's property development boom. Perhaps this could be justified in another time and place but we simply cannot afford to sell off our ocean cliff sides to make way for yet more high-rise towers. This is simply not an issue to be decided by UBC and developers. They cannot be allowed to so negatively affect public spaces. Park users throughout the region and beyond, as well as others with knowledge of the area's true ecological worth, must have a say in how our spaces are managed. I have worked within various organizations, including federal and local governments, which have had to balance ecological diversity and the needs of the community with the desire of others for financial profit. I have seen that it is entirely possible to make the right decision when more of the facts are weighed.

I implore you to take my views, and those of so many others, in account when you decide the outcome of the project. If this project continues in its current form, I wonder which special place will be next - will Stanley Park be felled of its trees to make way for steel condos? Or perhaps large-scale billboards on the side of Grouse Mountain would be a good idea?

You have the power to stop the improper development of UBC lands in favour of the protection of parks. Please let this letter act as a reminder that it is your job to do so.

If you wish to hear more about my views on this issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Christina Olsen
Vancouver , BC