Dear editor,

I am also appalled and angry that the mayor and city councillors want to waste $6.8 million of our hard-earned tax dollars on a bridge that is neither needed nor wanted by the majority of the public.

Courtenay just recently spent a lot of time and money repairing and painting the 5th Street bridge. There are two pedestrian crossings over this bridge, one on either side. They are both safe and accessible. With all the problems we have in Courtenay, this money should be spent on housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and health care for the sick.

How many homes could be built by the WeCan Shelter Society, at a small cost of $25,000 to $30,000 each?

How many worthwhile charities could be helped, such as the food bank, the Wiseland Humanitarian Association, the Salvation Army, and a multitude of others?

Why are the mayor and councillors catering to this small group who have been lobbying for this bridge? Is it because they want a 鈥渓egacy鈥� for their time in office? Perhaps a shiny, brass plaque with all their names engraved on it?

Shame on all of you.

There should be a referendum held, so the public can vote on whether or not this nearly $7 million should be wasted on a ridiculous new pedestrian bridge. In a democracy, the majority rules.

Janet Campbell,

Courtenay

Editor鈥檚 note: The funding breakdown for the 6th Street Bridge includes $2,502,231 in federal funding, through the Active Transportation Fund, as well as $1 million from the province through the Growing Communities Fund. The City of Courtenay is contributing $3,383,844.