Editor: I am writing this letter to reach out to all the residents that live in my farming community. Are you aware of all the changes going on in our town? With the explosive development of our community, are you aware of the end stage results and what our town will be?
I have lived in Ladner most of my life. I love the countryside, the farming community, the small town feel and our events that make us who we are. The hay rides, the Christmas tree lighting, the markets and all the other events that we host make us a small town community.
I can see nature as it should be, the swans and their babies, the eagles and their babies.
We had an owl that lived in the trees in our back yard. He is missing. A while ago an owl was found shot in a neighbour's back yard. A red-tailed hawk recently died as a result of poisoning. To me, these are all signs, at a micro level, of the death of our community.
People moving from the city to the country, do you not realize this is a fishing/farming community? Do you have to call police when you see unleashed animals on farmland or horses walking on the road? What did you expect when you moved here, no rodents, no wildlife?
There are other ways to keep unwanted critters out of your homes besides rat poison. Did you think of our ecosystem and all that would be affected?
I have read in another community newspaper our town referred to as "little Richmond" and that is why I am asking you, as fellow residents, is this what you want?
I know I have been to community meetings and I hear other voices expressing the same concerns. Are we a dying community or are we not being heard? As the changes occur, things cannot go back to the way it was.
I have heard from other small communities that have rallied in support of keeping what they have and have been able to maintain the way their town grows. It is hard work but it can be done.
This is where I ask you, as fellow residents, what do you want? I would like to know if there are others who oppose what is happening or do I stand alone? Please express yourselves, let your voices be heard. Take a moment to reflect and write about our future, our children's future and our community's future.
Margaret McCabe
