Headlines from the past is a recurring feature looking back at stories we've covered over the past 40+ years.
A new overpass in Port Coquitlam would make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Lougheed Highway at Shaughnessy Street.
But one reader of the Tri-City News said the structure was a “sell-out” to big business.
The overpass was constructed by Viacom Outdoor Canada Ltd. as part of a deal that would allow the company to erect billboards at seven locations around the city.
In a letter to the editor, Fred Herbold said the billboards would end up dwarfing the smaller, more modest signage of Port Coquitlam’s independent businesses.
Herbold said it was also hypocritical of the city to allow billboards as it has bylaws limiting the size of signs businesses can erect to advertise their wares.
“What happened to local government for local people and local business trying to create a sense of community,” said Herbold.
Meanwhile, a News’ editorial said while the new overpass, and another erected over the Mary Hill Bypass to improve pedestrian and cyclist access between Castle Park and the Fraser River, might be seen as a victory for active transportation, they’re really an admission that vehicles are king.
“The wave of car and trucks flowing along Lougheed 24 hours a day could not be stopped or slowed to ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing at Shaughnessy Street,” said the editorial, adding there are similar anti-pedestrian failures in Coquitlam and Port Moody as well.
“The dream was a pedestrian lifestyle. The reality is our schedules and our distances keep all of us in cars.”
The Tri-City News has covered civic affairs, local crime, festivals, events, personalities, sports and arts in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody since 1983. Bound back issues of the paper are available at the Coquitlam Archives, while digital versions of several past years can be found at issuu.com.
