Editor’s note: This is a copy of a letter to Whistler’s mayor and council.

I cannot believe the latest escapade at the last (Aug. 3) council meeting. Why would you try to push the zoning amendments for Cheakamus Crossing assfault (pun intended) plant and quarry expansion when it is already such a contentious issue? Many of us have expressed not only our opposition to the current “deal,” but also our disappointment and hurt that this is even happening in our town... especially with our eco-friendly mayor! I encourage everyone who is as outraged as myself to contact our elected council members and let them know how you feel about how this situation is being handled. Go to the Cheakamus Crossing Facebook for all the information you need. I know that asking the municipality for information even as simple as the original zoning bylaw took three visits and not everyone works nights and can hang around the hall waiting for information. I hope that we will be able to find a way to stop and reverse the council’s (or should I say staff’s) insistence on going down this path despite the community's opposition. The wise thing for council would be to leave in the hands of the OCP builders and run their next election campaign on the issue. We need a council that respects the wishes of the community and not wiffle waffle on policy.

I am reminded of the London Drugs zoning controversy. I, too, wanted a place where I could buy socks for less than $9 in Whistler, but when Mayor Melamed finally explained the reasoning... how permanent zoning changes can be and how they can limit municipal control over development... I understood and changed my opinion. Now he seems to be “zoning out” and in a completely different “zone” altogether. One positive I can say is the exception to the rule of behaviour at the council table has been the voices of Mr. Zeidler and Mr. Forsyth. I applaud their willingness to work for the people of the community that electied them.
S. Kannegiesser
Whistler