Your readers will be pleased to learn that following media exposure, and a welcome report by the auditor general, the Yukon government is now addressing education problems in our community.
An initiative taken by the Yukon Hospital Corporation has effectively delayed the intended hospital transfer pending further study, and we understand the minister of Community Services has indicated that long-sought funding for a few specific sewer and water replacement, repairs and upgrades will now be forthcoming.
However, there remains a serious deficiency in our Official Community Plan which must be resolved at both the town council and Yukon government levels.
This issue is really only the tip of the iceberg, and in reflection I now recognize that, like my fellow citizens, when speaking on behalf of our community, I must also risk some form of retribution from a small, but influential group of dominating people with suspect motives and hidden agendas, from both elected and commercial sectors.
The time has come to put this problem out on the table for public view.
Accordingly, I have sent you an open letter addressed to our mayor and council for publication in your newspaper, so that Watson Lake residents and all Yukon citizens can be apprised of this very bad state of affairs that has existed in our community for far too long.
There can be no doubt whatsoever that Watson Lake, primarily because of its excellent geographic location, is a very important communication and supply center for very large areas of southern Yukon, Northern BC and adjacent NWT. Developments by resource-based industries will assure its prospects for future economic growth and prosperity.
It is important that, at this critical point in time, we design and implement appropriate plans for our community with wisdom and foresight. By firmly rejecting any propositions involving greed or self interest, and encouraging free and competitive enterprise, we will do a great service to future generations.
Donald E. Taylor,
Watson Lake