Editor,
An open letter to Loni Parker, CSRD Area B director.
Although we have worked together, each other and live in the same area I’d like to introduce myself again. My name is Karen Powers, I have lived in Revelstoke all my life and built my home on the Begbie Bench 23 years ago. I own and operate Conversations, a coffee shop located at 205 Mackenzie Avenue in downtown Revelstoke.
I am writing to you over a concern I have. I understand a proposed development is before the regional district and B.C. Government for approval. The development is a year-round resort to be located at Greeley just east of Revelstoke.
I would like to voice my support for this development. As a lifelong resident and a business owner, I see this as an asset to both the city of Revelstoke and Area B of the regional district. The taxes generated by this project can only help the region, perhaps for future development.
Job opportunities increase with new development, population can go up and perhaps new business will open in the empty buildings that speckle the downtown core of Revelstoke. Empty buildings mean a downslide in our economy and people will move out.
As a businessperson that depends on tourism, I benefit more to support tourism in the Revelstoke area. Without it, Revelstoke has a grim future. I understand this development will not cost the Revelstoke taxpayers and can only benefit the city as a whole. Tourist dollars will be brought in and spent at our businesses.
My concern is that the city may try to hold this development up. They did not have a very good rapport with developers in the past and have actually crippled projects to the point that the developers have walked away. I understand the city has concern with water supply on Greeley Creek, but I feel this can be protected. Is this development really threatening the water to Revelstoke?
Revelstoke has attracted many forms of adventure tourism. To me, this development fits in and enhances what we already have.
I love Revelstoke. I choose to live here and like many people are saying it just makes sense. This is why I support this development.
Karen Powers,
Revelstoke