Richmond - The Editor, Re: "Boxed in?" News, Oct. 11. Much has been said recently about the plans for the Walmart development in West Cambie, and I find I keep thinking the same four words, "We can do better."
Richmond has changed a lot over the last five years, some would argue for the worse, but I would say most has been positive.
We've welcomed the Canada Line, supported a burgeoning restaurant scene, began to densify the city centre and, most recently, built the Railway Greenway, which is transforming recreation for families in West Richmond. These are things that make people proud to live here and I would argue our city is more vibrant than ever before.
We are beginning to identify ourselves as residents of our own city, rather than merely another suburb of Vancouver.
This is why the proposed Walmart development just doesn't feel right. We can do better than this. The development turns its back on the street and the Garden City Lands.
It is far too large for the neighbourhood it's part of, so clearly meant for those coming from other places. It will be made for larger chain stores, not the small businesses that dominate much of our core. It's an entirely suburban design for an increasingly urban city. It's part of Richmond's past, not its future.
It also assumes we all drive or want to drive when signs show younger generations would rather not.
One councillor said in this paper, "The reality is that people drive to get their groceries." But is it good enough to say that anymore? What about seniors who no longer feel comfortable behind the wheel? What about children who want to ride their bikes to the local grocer? What about our fellow residents who are not physically able to drive? And let's not forget those of us who can't afford to buy a vehicle, let alone the costs of insurance, gas and maintenance. Yes, cars are dominant, but we should be asking ourselves, "Are we okay with a city designed to make us dependent on the car?" Just last year our mayor and council did us proud by telling the airport that their planned outlet mall, far away from public transit, wasn't good enough for our city. So, why is this? We need to start thinking big.
We need to build a city around transit and inspiring design. We need to send a message to our younger residents that Richmond is a place you can be proud of living in. It's a place where you can get an education, start a business and grow a family. Richmond is a city we should all take pride in.
It's not just a suburb anymore. We should all be saying, "This is Richmond, and this development isn't good enough."
Graeme Bone
Richmond
