Dear editor:

In recent months we have read and heard regurgitated arguments from various residents and (not in my back yard) groups railing against development and specific developers in particular.

These arguments are always prefaced by “we are not against development but …”

These groups, I believe, represent a small minority of the population but are, of course, the most vocal. They have cost local taxpayers millions of dollars and it’s time for the majority to be heard.

The town is growing and needs to do so to remain vibrant, viable and attractive to tourists.

Together with agriculture, tourism is the lifeblood of our community. Development creates jobs and contributes to our economic success.

People wish to come and live here and enjoy attractions such as the Shaw Festival. We need additional housing and also additional accommodation space for tourists such as the proposed hotel at Parliament Oak.

Growth requires development by developers who invest their capital to meet the demand for housing and accommodation.

Growth is inevitable and we cannot dwell on the past; let’s work with developers and not against them.

Why are we fighting about restoring the dilapidated Rand Estate, which has long been neglected by previous owners who sold up, profited and moved on?

This has been going on since at least 2011. The proposed hotel on King Street rather than “tower above the surrounding area” will add useful contrast and actually be on a par with the surrounding mature trees.

Let’s move on, change is inevitable. We should embrace it.

Bonita Cawker
NOTL