First impressions are sometimes lasting ones

I found the item below while investigating the htmf local bulletin board tonight, a letter to the editor to the Northern View, from a newcomer to the city who, shall we charitably say just ain’t too impressed.

From the rain to the real estate prices for less than worldly houses to the song and dances of the politicians of the good times to come, the writer found that the city has at times left him wanting.

It makes for an interesting look from the outside; we tend to drink from the same well water here too often to take outside views into consideration. And while Mr. Lao’s efforts are rather chastising in nature, he none the less offers up some valid points for consideration.

Perhaps more than a few of which we may not readily like to admit, but are there none the less.

Are we a fortress or the global gate that we’ve decided we’re going to be, it will be of valuable study to watch how the community reacts to the wrap on the wrists from someone who has no vested interest in the town at the moment. Insular like towns don't tend to take criticism very well, and if nothing the letter offers up a pretty intense critique of the community.

A tip of the podunkian hat to Dave, a contributor to htmf for posting the letter on the bulletin board for those that don’t regularly read the plethora of freebie newspapers that are landing on our door steps, a few more letters like this one and the recycling depot may have to wait a few extra days for the papers to arrive.


Reader says the community is out of touch with reality

Dec 13 2006
The Northern View
Editor:
Earth to Prince Rupert...Are you there?

As the title implies, to many new and non-Rupertites Prince Rupert, in some serious aspects, is out of step with those outside the ramparts of fortress Kaien Island. These mis-steps include property value, goods, services, employment, and most noticeably, Rupert’s sense of place in the modern world’s grand scheme.

Listening to the endless rhetoric spewed by Prince Rupert’s private and public sector describing the infinite opportunities coming, one seriously wonders: are Rupert’s spokespersons aware of what Prince Rupert is to an average outsider? Being from Richmond and new to this community, here’s a real-time snapshot born from my experience. Without ever-stepping foot within the city’s limits, most will say, “Where’s Prince Rupert”? And the reputation of being one of the country’s rainiest places doesn’t help sell the ridiculously optimistic message. If the conversation takes place at all, this is where most discussions concerning the “city of rainbows” ends.

Rupertites are the most “optimistic” people on the planet, especially Prince Rupert’s realtors. Most of the city’s current property listings are over-priced and unfit to live in by the majority of reasonable people’s standards, especially people who come from granite counter-tops, stainless steal appliances, thoroughly modern kitchens, climate controlled living environments, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, and manicured yards. Even if a home in Rupert had designer features, all one need do is look outside their moisture-free window to see their neighbour’s derelict rusted, and unlicensed automobiles, water-filled mildew coloured boats floating on flat-tired trailers, heaps of rotted wood, and piles of dog feces to make them consider putting up the “For Sale” sign and forgetting about Rupert altogether. This is not a welcoming, reassuring, or effective strategy to attract new taxpayers. And what really makes one question the mindsets of some local speculators credibility and/or grip on reality is the prediction that local real-estate values are going to jump 20 per cent next year and 70 per cent the following year. A long-time resident once remarked to me his home’s value is higher now than it was when Skeena Cellulose was in operation, an industry that generated hundreds of very well-paying jobs. “What does Rupert have now”? He asked. “Nothing but the speculation of ‘greener pastures’ of more minimum wage jobs from a new mystery mall that may never open”.


Besides lacking quality housing, Prince Rupert suffers from a deficiency of services and goods. I bounced around the idea of building our home when finding a decent dwelling became an intangible dream. Rupertites were not so optimistic this time. I was cautioned by just about everyone I spoke with about the subject. Another hurdle new investors must overcome is locating and determining who owns a vacant property in Prince Rupert. A group of potential investors from the Fraser Valley sent a representative here to identify promising vacant lots on which to build new homes and commercial properties. The rep, who is my acquaintance, was frustrated by city hall’s lack of a comprehensive list of city owned vacant lots. Investors are expected to travel Rupert’s streets, identify lots, note the address closest to the property, bring it to city hall and then go over the list with helpful city staffers. This complicated and convoluted method convinced the group to invest elsewhere.


Many Prince Rupert residents are betting on the “New World Port” to realize Charles Hays’ titanic vision. I hope this optimism is fulfilled. But I have doubts. I hear comments stating that Rupert will handle more TEUs than the Port of Vancouver and create work and wealth for everyone. How business and politicians can sincerely say this without cringing and thinking Prince Rupert residents are completely gullible and naïve? Who’s asked the port’s proponents about the project’s true beneficiaries? Will most average Rupertites benefit and reap any real “green” from Fairview Terminal? I am certain some retail and service businesses will flourish as a result from the port, but the majority of these “opportunities” will be the eight dollar per hour kind.


But what I really want to know is: where are the new residential developments? Besides a casino and Fairview, I don’t see anything else being built. Yet, many here are convinced or confused by Prince Rupert’s private and public sector’s boosterism. Until I see new developments such as condominiums, town homes, or some other sign welcoming outsiders to the community, I will not invest time or finances in any long-term commitment based solely on rumour, speculation, gossip, or innuendo.


So, are the talking heads aware of what Rupert is to the average outsider? Do they really believe non-Rupertites share their unrealistic outlook? Are they even trying to promote Rupert to average folk elsewhere? If they are, I certainly don’t see any tangible evidence. Prince Rupert holds a special place in my heart and I sincerely hope Rupert’s “leaders” will deliver. Earth to Prince Rupert…are you there?


Sincerely,
Pedrico Lao