Editor, The Record:

Re: Waterfront project proposed, July 30 edition.

It is hoped Mission council thinks hard about granting the proposed developer the go-ahead to moor the so-called McBarge eatery and accompanying facilities for boats, etc. to dock on Mission's Fraser River waterfront.

First of all, the sketch of what the facility and surround would look like is not impressive, but of course, could be nothing like what it might be in reality. However, the consequence of this proposed new eatery once again puts the downtown in jeopardy. The establishment of the Junction Mall, while convenient and captures varied businesses in one spot, along with the multi-movie theatre, was the beginning of the downtown death throes and many established businesses of that time either closed up or eventually moved to the mall, or towards what is now the Cedar Connector. Once again, this kind of development might not be sustainable without very negative conseqences at this point in time, particularly since the estimated tourist job creation is either short-lived or mainly in the eatery during summer months, and from some activities on the river. One wonders at times whether the final thrust is to clear First Avenue completely, widen it and have it be merely a highway through the district.

Secondly, it is a further encroachment on the Fraser River banks and the eco-systems and wildlife which still have a tenuous hold on diminishing areas for their existence, and one wonders what the commercial activity at that point might do to affect their survival, including the mentioned sturgeon. With all the activity of vehicles in the air, water and land, there will be an increased toxic secretion into the river. The bottom line is: for whose benefit will this eventually be? The river, the developers, the present businesses, or the citizens of Mission?

Also think hard about "unintentional consequences," council, before jumping into this proposition.

Lila Rauh

Mission