In reference to some of Pat Quigley’s (running for Cultus Lake Park Commissioner) recent comments about the state of Cultus Lake:
Pat says, “Chilliwack Residents should park for free”. The current Park Commissioners also wish they could offer free parking to Chilliwack residents. The reality is that Cultus does not receive funding from the City of Chilliwack (or anywhere) to pay for such incidentals as paper products, cleaning or maintenance of bathrooms, garbage removal, security, playgrounds for children, picnic facilities, etc., etc. Cultus is on its own to find revenue to pay for the maintenance and continual improvements that have been taking place at the Park. The parking revenue is very much needed to cover these costs.
Pat says, “Long term planning at Cultus Lake is desperately needed. Stop the political control holding back Cultus Lake”. For the past 3+ years, the residents and Cultus Lake Park Board in partnership with the Fraser Valley Regional District have engaged in meetings and residence surveys to develop and create a 20 year official community blueprint. To state that long term planning is desperately needed is an insult to all the good people who spent countless hours creating this collaborative, well thought out plan.
It’s my personal belief that the majority of people (including Pat) who put their name forward for political office do so because they want to make a positive difference. It’s deeply concerning for me that someone would run for a political position and not check facts or confirm important information before creating their platform.
I may not agree with every decision this current board has made but I am 110% certain these people have the interests of the Park as their top priority and have moved our community forward in a very thoughtful, pro-active and sustainable manner.
Gail Smit
Cultus Lake Resident