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Reading the column by Dan Fumano, it occurred to me that there is an overlooked alternative to the existing proposed development options. I thought the conundrum was well-presented, showing competing interests and a vexation as to what should be done with the property, and some concern that the city is somehow being held back.

There is very little or no mountain view from anywhere in the downtown area unless on a fringe. What is, or was one of Vancouver’s most attractive features — the stunning views — are all but occluded from anywhere in the downtown area. I believe it was Pierre Berton who noted that “Vancouver is a city in a beautiful place.” Are we at risk of losing that with a rush to develop every bit of land in ways that block our views of the beautiful nature that is the hallmark of Vancouver?

Perhaps it makes sense that the city or province should buy it, remove the parking lot and make it a small urban park. Develop it as a park and garden for people to sit or walk, maybe have a covered portion (our weather) or a vine trellis that creates a beautiful, serene and “green” area that will provide shade and may attract songbirds.

I believe it would accomplish several notions I hold: As a transportation hub at Waterfront Station for buses, SeaBus and SkyTrain lines, with increasing populations and density, it’s only going to get busier and more congested, and at present there is nowhere to sit or relax at or near Waterfront Station that I’m aware of unless in a commercial establishment.

It would also be attractive as a tourist feature to enhance the heritage nature of the area, the history of Vancouver as a port city, and it’s immediate to Gastown.

Why not keep it for everyone to see the mountains and to enjoy as a last potential refuge and view on the foreshore that provides a stopping-off point, as well as preserves the heritage and history of our quite famous city? It may be a last chance, since once it’s gone, it’s … gone. Looking ahead and using wisdom, can we afford that?

Ted Thompson, Vancouver 

Concerns about official development plan deserve attention

At the recent public gearing regarding the city’s official development plan (ODP) mandated by the provincial government, all councillors spoke glowingly about the staff work on the ODP.

However, the councillors appeared to “hear” only what the staff presented and to ignore the red flags raised by the public speakers. Concerns such as: the new prohibitions on public hearings, which diminish civic democracy, missing protections for cherished heritage and tree canopies, a relaxed policy for sale of school lands, and no provision for school planning to be concurrent with new development/density (schools in the area are already at 90 to 171 per cent capacity).

The ODP could have been paused, giving councillors time to address and consider the stated, substantial objections to “the most significant document in the city’s history” and one that will dominate city decisions for decades.

I expect better from my elected officials.

Pamela Fitzpatrick, Vancouver

To beat soaring gas prices, think outside the car

Re. B.C. gas prices are soaring: Here’s how to save some money

Your article forgot one thing. Using more sustainable transportation (transit, walking,  cycling and micro mobility) would save the average person or family lots of money.

It will also reduce GHG emissions, conserve energy and promote healthier and more sustainable mobility. A March 2025 article from WE Magazine provides 18 ways to reduce transportation costs and help save the planet.

Freezing the 2026 five per cent transit fares increase by TransLink would help more people to use transit. (On March 25, the TransLink board of directors will vote on the bylaw to increase the fares starting July 1.) Toronto has frozen their 2026 fares plus introduced monthly fare capping.  People can also sign up for WALK 30, that starts on April 1, 2026

Nathan Davidowicz, Vancouver 

What about foreign-trained medical professionals who live here?

Good work B.C. Health Ministry: 400 American health-care workers recruited in about 12 months.

Too bad the ministry can’t make any laudable progress with medical professionals from other countries who already live here, those who came with great expectations that they, too, would be welcomed and able to continue working in their professions.

Instead, we hear and read their stories about working for minimum wage in delivery, retail and security.

Can the premier and the health minister speak to this, please?

Laurelle Shalagan, Vancouver

Letters to the editor should be sent to sunletters@vancouversun.com.

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