City Centre business owners are not all happy

The Editor,

On Wednesday, May 13, White Rock city council was invited to a question and answer session put on by the White Rock Rate Payers Association. Many very interesting and provocative questions were asked and answered.

Coun. Todd, when asked, stated that he would not change his vote to reflect the wish of the electorate.

Mayor Forster, when asked if she had spoken to the business owners who would be forced to vacate their premises, stated that all the business owners were very happy with the new project.

I have spoken to several of these business owners (that's more than two but less than 100), and they are telling a very different story. According to them, the information they have received is that they will be forced to relocated to another location for up to a year and-a-half, and if there is a spot for them in the new complex, their rents will be considerably higher.

Location, location, location is the number-one consideration for any retail business. If an established business has to move, its customer base will surely dry up.

Perhaps at the May 25 meeting sponsored by city hall, Mayor Forster can explain to the business owners and the electorate of White Rock exactly why they are so happy with the new City Centre project.

Larry Slid
White Rock

posted on 05/18/2005