To the Editor,
That there were more than 8,000 school students here in 1962 and just over 3,000 now, illustrates the fact that the Alberni Valley is a decayed, stagnant, aging community. It’s highly unlikely that this community will ever again revert to its former size and robust economic activity, the heart of which is still forestry, idle talk about a “new economy” notwithstanding.
And, aside from Staples, Lordco, No Frills and Walmart, retail activity and growth in North Port are largely the result of relocation of existing South Port businesses, like Home Hardware, The Brick, CIBC, the GM dealership and many others.
As for South Port, it’s now a disaster area, a few successful small new businesses notwithstanding. Many of the buildings there should be razed.
To top it all, there’s going to be a new study about facilities for seniors in the Valley with a view to attract more seniors and over-50 groups here.
What a bad idea, given the need to expand our hospital to at least 60 beds, the need for two more multi-level care facilities, and an urgent need for much better home support.
Bring in more people over 50 and we’’ll need even more of the above at even greater cost.
Richard Berg,
Port Alberni