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Lack of consultation for Sunfest opponents

Maybe residents were made aware of this through community consultation, before the mayor began pushing this proposal

Re: Sunfest

Are Town of Lake Cowichan residents aware that there has been no economic study done on their behalf that substantiates that there would be any more that short term benefit to the community from mass events such as Sunfest? In fact, there are studies from similar events that show that the projected benefits are “inflated” and short-term, and that it is the community that will pick up the costs when thousands of people show up and put stress on town services and infrastructure.

Maybe residents were made aware of this through community consultation, before the mayor began pushing this proposal, a proposal that will see 15,000 people and at least 5,000 vehicles descending on a site at Meade Creek for four days, over the already busy August long weekend.

Actually, you didn’t miss the consultation, there wasn’t one. The mayor didn’t think he needed to have one. There was, however, a meeting for Sunfest supporters. And, there was an invitation for letters of support, on the Chamber of Commerce website. Those folks who have concerns or questions, or who do not support this, were not invited.

Mayor Forrest bases his very open support of this project on the findings in the proponent’s report, and from his experience from Lake Cowichan Apollos’ events. The proponent will definitely benefit from this event, in spades! So, why wouldn’t the mayor trust this report? The Apollos’ events were fine, but they certainly did not bring the mass of humanity that Sunfest will. So, where is the relevance?

Any of the residents of the town or in the immediate area who may have very serious concerns, you should know that the mayor expects you to, “get your head out of the sand”, and, “put up with a little inconvenience”, so the party can go on.

 

Diana Gunderson

Lake Cowichan