The May 9 Elphinstone Electors Association was well attended and many issues discussed. Vel Anderson reported on the progress of replacing the Book Gnome at Cedar Grove School. This sage old fellow had his hands and book destroyed by vandals some years ago and the ECA has been discussing replacement plans with school officials. Some members want to replace the entire structure (a costly venture) while others think replacing only the hands and book is preferable. Another possibility is to leave the venerable old fellow in place and give him a carved companion. If you want to weigh in, contact me at the email address below.
Clint Budd reported on the progress of the petition to reduce traffic speed on the highway by Poplars Mobile Home Park and Woodcreek Park and install pedestrian crosswalks. There is still time to sign the petition by contacting Clint at [email protected]. Rodd Moorcroft in his APC report mentioned that the local planning group has submitted its support for the Regional District’s position in opposing the logging of DL 1313. Several residents at the meeting expressed frustration that logging this forest comes up too often; there is a need to establish the forest as a permanent conservation area. A group of residents had gone to speak with MLA Nicholas Simons about both of these issues and he is sympathetic.
Concerns about the large increase in neighbourhood traffic, should the Gospel Rock development proceed, elicited a lively discussion. Residents feel that the local streets are already heavily used, especially Pratt Road and Chaster, neither of which have sidewalks, crosswalks or very good lighting. Susan Rule has been busy gathering a petition opposed to Gospel Rock being allowed to use these two streets, especially with the number of children and other pedestrians using them as well as cyclists, dog walkers and wildlife. I can attest to seeing a lot of wildlife crossing Pratt, having witnessed deer, coyote, bear, dogs and even mother ducks with their ducklings.
One resident was applauded when she got up and made an impassioned speech about how difficult it already is to get onto the highway from Veterans. This serves as a good reminder to drivers; these are streets lived on by your neighbours – please slow down and watch out for non-vehicle users who also have a right to the roads!
There will be a Gospel Rock public hearing on May 23 at the Gibsons Legion at 7 p.m. so come out and have your say.
The next ECA meeting will be Wednesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. and MLA Simons is planning to attend. In addition to a chance to ask him questions, there will be a dessert and coffee social after his talk. If you have Elphinstone news to report, please contact me at [email protected] before 5 p.m. on Sunday.
