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This article described the FIFA requirement for full control of the building with no compensation for the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame space or for the six employees required to take unpaid layoffs for two months.
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That is a lost opportunity for visitors and residents to absorb the proud history of sports in B.C. There is no other area featuring such interesting, vivid and interactive sports displays as the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame. Closing this facility for two months is not only a disappointing decision, but also a slap in the face to the capable and knowledgeable employees who do so much to ensure that the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame is a major attraction in our city for visitors and residents alike.
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Shame on PavCo and the City of Vancouver for this capitulation to FIFA demands.
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Sheila Charneski, Vancouver
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Displacement unfair to fans of local teams
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Why does the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame need to vacate B.C. Place, as well as the Whitecaps and B.C. Lions? Why do we allow FIFA to take over our city and dictate their outrageous demands with sky-high ticket prices when our local teams that provide affordable family entertainment have to leave? What does this cost the taxpayer? Who really benefits from all this?
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Jack Klassen, Coquitlam
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U.K. model could help overwhelmed emergency services
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The recent Sun article relating that emergency calls to the fire and ambulance services in Vancouver have increased to the extent that fire crews may have to prioritize their responses reminds me that in certain cities in the U.K. paramedics on motorcycles are stationed centrally. Employing these would mean that overdoses could be managed initially by paramedics without an ambulance present. Patients could then be transported later with less pressure on the fire and ambulance service.
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Peter Munns, Vancouver
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Taxes a factor in stagnation of high-priced real estate
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On reading Douglas Todd’s column, I think he missed one other thing that has stalled higher-priced real estate sales. The B.C. NDP brought in a capital tax on all homeowners, which they camouflaged by calling it the B.C. School Tax. As of next year, homes valued over $3 million will see this rise to 0.3 per cent over that amount, and to 0.6 per cent over $4 million. That works out to a capital tax of $1,500 annually on a home assessed at $3.5 million and $6,000 annually on a home assessed at $4.5 million. Having worked in real estate, I found buyer resistance to high maintenance fees, GST on new housing, and all taxes on home ownership, such as the property transfer tax. No wonder you find that the average purchase price of a West Side home stalled at $2.9 million. Many buyers do not want to pay $3 million or more, only to pay high capital taxes in after-income-tax dollars.
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David Campbell, Vancouver
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Premier Smith linking pipeline to Bible is disgraceful
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith linked Jesus’ teachings with oil pipeline building. I did not know Jesus is also a sworn capitalist and Alberta oil advocate until now. However, since the American right have always portrayed Jesus as their very own protector, perhaps Premier Smith is after all a right-leaning American politician who managed to become Alberta premier. It explains why the secession movement is in full “all systems go” mode. The American Christian right has already debased Jesus and his teachings with its full support of President Donald Trump’s corrupt moral and financial practices. Religion is good for the soul when the main intent is moral fortitude and spiritual enlightenment. It is ugly if used to advance capitalistic ventures and enrichment.
