EDITOR,
Congratulations to the Squamish Soccer Association on its successful campaign to get a first-rate turf field built in Squamish. The project is the culmination of many years of effort and fundraising by the volunteers of the association. Our community will now be able to host many more tournaments that will see more athletes and spectators visiting Squamish and boosting our local economy.
In response to Coun. Raiser's assertion in the March 23 edition of The Chief that the bulk of the operating costs be covered by user fees, I would suggest that much like an extensive network of off-road bike trails, the new turf field will be a community asset that will deliver recreational opportunities for many and council should focus on ensuring that it remains as accessible as possible while keeping fees in line with those charged in other communities. It is time for the District of Squamish council to demonstrate to taxpayers that we will be getting good value for the 30 per cent raise that it has just approved for itself and get to work on finding new, creative sources of funding to support operations and maintenance for all our community assets.
Caren Candy
Brackendale
