EDITOR,
I wish to respond to the article, "No crossing for cars in GranFondo" (Chief, Aug. 19) and the editorial of the same date which states, "Squamish's international reputation bodes well for current as well as future generations in ways too numerous to list"
Firstly, how gullible do you think those of us living "east of 99" are? "We thought a better strategy would be to say, 'Let's just close it and let it happen and let people make alternative plans ahead of time." Since there is to be no alternative exit strategy for any of us "easterners," let it be you, Mr. McKinnon (event founder) who makes alternative plans. Your arrogance demonstrates complete indifference to all of us who are impacted by your pronouncement. You simply laid out your rules and we must respond accordingly. Well, life no longer works that way (see former Premier Campbell and the HST).
Saturday is typically the busiest trading day for many retail outlets. Yes and likely for the purchase of school supplies for students presently returning to school, or kids' soccer games, or tee times at the affected golf courses, etc. During the construction of our highway, we saw extended closures in the middle of the night for typically two hours and no closures at all from Fridays at noon until Sundays at 9 p.m., a process far more necessary than your event.
Given as this GranFondo is ostensibly about participation and enjoyment, then elapsed time becomes meaningless. Accommodating the elite riders who have a chance of winning should see them pass through our town in 30 minutes. If they can't, they obviously aren't contenders - then stop the closures. The remaining riders can proceed through on green lights.
Secondly, with respect to "Squamish's international reputation ways too numerous to list," I can think of only one spinoff, given the terminus is Whistler, that being the monies earned by paid employees in our area responsible for the infrastructure during this event. I fail to see where 7,000 riders passing non-stop (except red lights) through our town will in any way enhance the fortunes of our community. If we are looking for global exposure, we already have the Stawamus Chief, second largest granite monolith in the world, "Gorge North" for windsurfing, the very successful Test of Metal, and 50 years of Loggers Sports, all of which occur in our town and enjoy global acclaim, notwithstanding our exposure during the 2010 Olympics. It is doubtful requiring your riders to stop at intersections will detract from our global reputation or make us unworthy hosts.
I strongly suggest, Mr. McKinnon, that you revisit your decision forthwith dealing with we "eastside residents." A less dictatorial and more conciliatory approach could have conceivably produced a more acceptable outcome for all concerned, particularly for those who have absolutely no interest in your bike race and have no desire to be inconvenienced by it for three hours on a weekend.
Chuck Cook
Squamish
