Dear Editor
The community of Spences Bridge has and continues to be a cornerstone of rural BC. Though we have been the victim of many a government budget cut and again a victim of a not so sympathetic corporate citizen... losing our only gas station when Petro Canada literally snuck out of town overnight... Spences Bridge citizens sport a volunteer force unparalleled in British Columbia.
Volunteers have built a new firehall, purchased the old school and proceeded to completely refurbish it, inside and out.
They then applied and received a $22,000 grant for a senior centre that one could argue is the finest, most diverse operation in BC.
This is a year two of a farmers/music festival that was conceived, created and implemented exclusively by the folks of Spencses Bridge. Our festival, Desert Daze ( www.desertdaze.ca ) has already raised over $10,000 in grants and donations for this years event... before ticket sales!
Spences Bridge has lost its most famous resource and the foundation of its economic base for two of the last three years - the world famous Thompson River Steelhead.
We choose to not whine and feel sorry for ourselves while bad mouthing the government. Instead, we have chosen to do as much as we can with little or no support from the current administration.
Our path has been difficult but a visit to Spences Bridge to check out our senior centre or attend Desert Daze would be ample evidence that a remarkable thing is going on in Spences Bridge.
We understand that the Ministry, during this time of transition and with an election upcoming, has many priorities and precious little time to examine all the important issues that will determine the future direction of many a BC community.
We would ask that the 10 year proposal (drafted by engineering firm Buckman and Taylor) for a CONTINUED OPENING of Spences Bridge - a proposal that is supported by our MLA, Harry Lali, be strongly considered.
Spences Bridge has done BC proud by being the exception rather than the rule in regards to the continuing decline of rural BC. It is a stellar example of what can be accomplished when a legion of volunteers is motivated by the passion to make the community a better place to live.
Today, Spences Bridge extends its hand with the hope that Victoria will extend theirs and together this rural BC success story can have a happy ending.
To divide one of British Columbia’s most historic communities in half, to close Spences Bridge forever because of a tight budget, seems beyond tragic. It seems irresponsible!
Drowning in the Bridge
Steven W. Rice
Spences Bridge
