From what I read in the newspaper article the primary issue at the Coquitlam location is parking, unless there are other issues that have not been made public.
Both Douglas College and the adjacent high school have large parking lots in the rear of their facilities that are not being used at that time of the year. School is out and the College is mostly closed on Sunday. Perhaps arrangements could be made to use those lots for our attendee parking so the locals would still have access to their parking around Town Center. And don't forget the Seattle vintage meet is held at a community college.
I find it difficult to believe that there are not other events over the course of a year that challenge the parking in the area. Are those events being told to relocate too?
It sounded from the newspaper article that the Mayor didn't really know too much about the issue. It would be good for him to hear from local residents and businesses (in particular those from Coquitlam) who attend and/or benefit from the show.
I thought about giving it a month or so and then sending the Mayor an email. His email address and that of the Council are on the Coquitlam website. I'm sure they would love to hear from us.
Maybe I'll attend a Council meeting, just as a concerned citizen, and tell them about all the positive things the show brings - international coverage that consistently says what a beautiful site location we have etc, recognition for local businesses that support the show and benefit from it. I think it is good that they hear from individuals who attend the show and not just the organizers and sponsors.
And it's all going to potentially go to another municipality over a parking issue that is probably no more than 5 hours in length once a year. Langley and New Westminster are prepared to shut down their downtown streets for car shows. And Coquitlam??
I was there for the first GCVS and every one since and I am looking forward to the 2010 GCVS at Town Center Park.
My thoughts.
Bryant Dilley
