Dear Editor;
I have lived here in Princeton for 25 years, 10 years in Coalmont a total thirty five years. I recall a previous plebiscite for an indoor pool, If that plebiscite had passed the pool would now be paid for now.
The most vocal naysayers, then and as now, are from Area H. I’ve heard and read all the same excuses for not wanting or having an indoor pool, for the most part their arguments are bogus. I’m one of those who will pay a little more in taxes due to having more than one lot, I’m more than willing to pony up, and no I’m not wealthy, I’m a retired pensioner. This pool will be an investment in ourselves, the future of Princeton, Area H, our kids, our neighbor’s kids, our youth and future residents.
The naysayers claim you can swim in the river or lakes. Not many swimmers in the rivers or lakes this year, water was too high and too cold. Even when the conditions for swimming are good in the rivers and lakes it’s still impossible for the physically challenged, arthritic, injured, etc. and older folks to swim or access the water. Swimming in proper safe controlled facilities is highly recommended by health authorities for entertainment and good health.
Princeton is quite stable in regard to the economy, possibly the best I’ve seen since being here - many new homes have been and currently are being built, new business has arrived and recently been constructed in Princeton and throughout the area. If we turn the indoor pool down when our economy is on positive note, then kiss it goodbye possibly forever, and look forward to our Emergency Ward being closed even more for lack of doctors many more times in the future.
Some from Area H suggest that Princeton build and give houses to doctors for practising here in town. I ask what would you contribute towards this venture? I forgot you already contribute, your garbage to be buried and baby-sat, monitored for eons let alone the fact the dump is prematurely filling up from all the outside waste being brought here. Little more on this subject later.
Years ago, Dentist Barry Cook here in town warned us folks that if we didn’t start providing some facilities to draw and keep professional people here in Princeton (for example, Doctors), we would find it difficult if not impossible to attract them here. The dentist was correct. We are now at this point in time. Doctors do not want to live or practice where there are not enough recreation facilities for them or their families. Yes, this means a heated indoor year around pool.
Back to the trash talk, some from area H complain we in Princeton will not have to drive very far to utilize a pool and that they have to drive further, this is a mute argument as they come to Princeton for grocery shopping, health requirements, automotive maintenance, getting children to school, and of course, some are employed in Princeton, and finally, to haul their garbage to the Princeton land fill. Area H requested and received a vote split on the indoor pool plebiscite. I suggest that in the very near future we have another similar split type plebiscite vote, on the subject of the Princeton land site being for the exclusive use of only Princeton business and residents. Area H could very well have to keep their garbage in their backyards until they find a sufficient approved site possibly many kilometers from their homes, and at far greater cost than this indoor pool would add to their tax. One must assume that many of Area H residents think that they’re doing Princeton a big favor by providing the town with their garbage. (The small remittance the town receives is not worth it) Ask your Area H rep how he would deal with this potential situation. I understand he has ample property. Maybe he will let you store it there. He’s a resourceful fella. I’m sure he could come up with something for you.
Last week CBC Vancouver ran a story on the pool plebiscite, it was a negative, misleading story, perpetrated I suspect by non-supporter’s from Area H. It was one-sided, negative, non-objective reporting by our national broadcaster. The question begs as to who in the area had enough influence be it personal or political to have had this biased story covered by CBC. I will in the very near future be in the process of filling a complaint against CBC, to the CBC ombudsman, the federal government, Canadian Broadcast Standards Council and the Sun news network corp., for this concocted story and as to how it was possible that someone from this area was able to use their influence be it personal or political to have caused this biased, misleading story about our pending pool plebiscite by CBC .
In closing, I hope the citizens of Princeton and Area H vote with their conscious and for this indoor pool for the betterment and enhancement of all of us. Princeton and area is great place to live. The indoor pool will make it that much greater. Don’t be influenced by those who are being negative on this referendum. It’s easy to be negative, to criticize...bitching is easy...no effort required.
Paul H. Dore
Princeton, B.C.