THE RECORD

November 15, 1995

BACK TO THE EGG

Suzanne Trevis

My earliest recollections of Gold River (besides the rain), are of the co-op. It was the first thing in town we clapped eyes on. The fact that it was dark and raining and at the end of a very long bus journey no doubt contributed to the impact. And for years after it ceased to exist as a store it was the library. The number of hours we spent in there probably had a lot to do with keeping that picture alive in my head

In those days, people bought the essentials in town and did the twice a month shopping trip to Campbell River. Prior to 1968 the pavement didn't start until you hit Camp Eight. The road was so bad that the wooden bridges were a welcome respite from the washboard gravel. But having to go, in most cases, was a necessity more than an option.

The co-op closed its doors in September 1967 with the arrival of the "New Plaza". Princess Margrethe of Denmark was on hand for the official opening.

Funnily enough the only things I remember really well from the plaza in those days were the red and white barber pole outside the barber's (obviously) and the big silver washing machines at the laundromat/drycleaners. They had the round glass centres so you could watch the soap and laundry swoosh around inside. (we didn't have TV back then!)

There were, however, a number of other businesses in those early days. Starting out that first fall were the Alberni District Credit Union and the Toronto-Dominion Bank. The manager and his staff were justifiably proud of their new, spacious offices. After a summer sweating it out in a small trailer, it was a big improvement.

The Copper Kettle, Pat's Clothing Store for men, Columbia Stores, the laundry and the barber's (who had also been operating out of a trailer the previous summer) were also on hand.

A lot of things changed as we grew up. The Copper Kettle was Adams Rib by the time I hit high school. Marshall Wells, now Joe's Pro Hardware had settled in. Super Valu, while doing a great job of redecorating in recent years, will always be remembered (by me at least) with all the scenes of wildlife, fishermen and hunters that I'm surprised Lyn and Dave didn't burn when they took down!

McConochies Furniture, the Clothes Closet, Gold River Shoes and Leather, to name but a few, came and went.

The biggest blow to commerce, and the community came in 1982, when the pharmacist, Dick Durant, decided to pull up stakes and move to Campbell River. Declining trade, increasing rent and the problems of dealing with an absentee landlord were too much. The plaza was then owned by Tahsis Company.

During the next few years, the village held "think tanks", hosted public meetings and put together an action plan. They wanted achieve some stability, raise awareness of what was happening to the community, and to restore the confidence of the residents.

One of the most important steps, taken by the Company, was to hire a local manager for their holdings in the plaza, Mr. Joe Formosa. They also hired a consultant to do an economic and structural study of the commercial centre, Howard Nemtin and Associates.

Then came some real changes, a new name, the "Village Square" and a facelift. They set about finding a new pharmacist to open a drugstore. Merchants extended store hours and decided to open on Mondays. The Company put in a playground for the children. And then, due to local concerns involving "the absentee landlord" and under the advise from the consultant, the Company decided to sell. To the consulting firm, who also resided in Vancouver.

Howard Nemtin and Associates have been the proud owners of our central shopping core since the mid eighties. There have been some improvements from time to time. A new coat of paint (in some God awful colours, I might add). Peaked roofs on the walkways and the planters.

Ummmm, let me think now, what else did they do? Outside of general maintenance, it doesn't look like much, especially when you consider how much money they take out of this community each month.

I look around our plaza now, and no offense intended to the merchants, but it looks like hell. Cracks in the pavement, between the concrete slabs on the walkways, are large enough to literally "trap" a buggy wheel. Not to mention a baby carriage or a wheelchair. Any one wandering around in the smallest of rainstorms (and we get enough of those) knows they don't stand a chance of staying dry, even under the "covered walkways". Water has been pouring down for so long in some places there are huge gouges worn in the pavement.

Although members of the community and Village Council have sent letters to the owners concerning these (and other) items, no answers or solutions have been forthcoming. And despite the fact that we spent a lot of dollars "beautifying" our main road etc., what is council's final word on what can be done to remedy the problems? The plaza is private property and therefore they have no jurisdiction. If it complies with building and fire codes they can't do anything. Basically the owners may be taking a chance with their liability, but that is entirely up to them.

I don't think that is good enough. The fact that tourists see the centre of our community in this light is bad enough. I have to live here and put up with it day after day. Withdrawing my custom in protest is not really an option, it is not the fault of the merchants and driving in and buying goods in Campbell River would be inconvenient even if I wanted to.

As a start I would like to encourage everyone to write to Nemtin and Associates at 2327 Bellevue, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1C9 and list your complaints. Second, send a copy to your Village Council PO Box 610 and tell them their attitude stinks. (I had much better words but Jerry wouldn't print them!)

Believe me, if it was your house that was falling apart and becoming a liability, they would be doing something, and the last time I checked, my property was still "privately owned".