The expression to beat a dead horse, as many are aware, means to waste time on something that has already been attempted a definition I feel should nonetheless be clarified given recent occurrences at this years Calgary Stampede whereby two race horses died during chuckwagon races, outraging Canadian citizens, animal welfare officials, and animal rights activists right across the country. But here in Squamish, were dealing with our own contentious issues upon which precious time has been wasted, and theyre not making national headlines. In fact, one issue in particular, which at this point may cause some Squamish residents to sigh in exasperation and say to those up-in-arms about it, Give it up, youre simply beating a dead horse, has just been ceremoniously swept under the (proverbial) provincial carpet (if there wasnt one before, there is now) in one sweeping press release issued July 19 by BC Transit. The document reports yet another record-breaking year with ridership up five per cent across the province. It goes on to note eight communities in particular that have experienced significant growth in their public transit clientele.To no surprise, Fort St. John, Prince George, Central Fraser Valley and even Whistler make the grade, but Squamish? Ridership is up 10 per cent in our little community, the report reads, and goes on to herald the delivery of efficient transit to the communities we serve.Now, lets back up to the June 26 meeting between the District of Squamish and BC Transit (see Squamish Transit service cuts suggested, The Chief, July 8) during which Graeme Masterton, B.C. Transits operational planning director, said, It doesnt make sense from a business perspective to run buses if no one is riding them.Logic tells us if there were more buses running more often, more people would use them, yet Masterton tells us its not worth it for BC Transit to invest in service expansion for Squamish because of low numbers. Meanwhile, BC Transit lists Squamish as one of its top success stories in terms of ever-increasing ridership and record-breaking transit trips. Are we confused yet? Im suddenly suspicious of whats taking place in other communities across B.C. not only in terms of transit but a plethora of other issues as well if a Crown corporation upon which British Columbians depend so easily mis-represents Squamishs situation. Clearly, the issuer of the aforementioned press release does not actually have his or her corporate finger on the pulse of real life in real towns, which means our local leaders need to be even more vigilant when it comes to protecting local interests. And as Coun. Heintzman brings up this week in Local CETA water concerns linger, (page A13), we can rest somewhat assured that local governments have begun working together through the Union of BC Municipalities to safeguard their communities.Not to beat a dead horse, but Squamishs transit concerns are the tip of a bigger iceberg and in order for the entire community to successfully develop in the vibrant manner that will satisfy each and every different social and political circle, which together comprise the whole that is Squamish indefinable as it may be ongoing community engagement and communication is the golden path. Excuse the cowboy drawl, but this aint no chuckwagon race. Nicole Trigg
