Dear Editor,
For the last four years I have had the pleasure of working as the resident caretaker, for Metro Vancouver, living at Seaside Cottage #1 at the entrance to Crippen Park. For this I say thank-you. My work here is apparently done, but I will never forget this experience, for the rest of my life! I have had the chance to meet so many great people as they pass by my home, coming to hike, play , jog or just visit the memorial gardens in the park. The chickens also liked to meet and eat with park patrons!
Unfortunately Metro Vancouver has informed me they no longer require my services. Full stop, no reasons given. I have never been made aware of any problems or complaints with my work as caretaker. I am dumbfounded.
I am proud of my contributions to our community during my time in Seaside, from running for municipal council, to volunteering for various projects and events, such as, sampling for radiation off our island, helping with Bow-Fest, or working on solutions for our housing crisis, here on Bowen.
One of the things I am proudest of is the work my neighbours and I carried out on behalf of all Bowen Islanders, in preventing the creation of a new parking lot at the entrance to the lagoon and Crippen Park, right beside Seaside #1. Using research, conducting a parking study to gather facts, and working together, as a neighbourhood, we were able to convince our municipality to withdraw the PARKing proposal! Well we convinced every council member , except for the Mayor.
I will continue working with an amazing group of people who have created Housing Bowen Society. The projects that are coming forward from the group over the next while will help ensure we continue to be a diverse community that supports and welcomes people of all incomes and abilities. Always. Please support them.
The chickens leave today, the cat by the end of the month, and Knucky and I are looking for a new adventure for the new year. Any suggestions or leads?
Again, thanks,
Michael Chapman
