To the Editor:

The dissolution of the Creston Valley Tourism Development came into effect on Dec. 31 and the contract with Judy Edge, the tourism development manager, will end on June 30. This organization has been responsible for the development and promotion of many areas of tourism in our valley and fell prey to Regional District of Central Kootenay cuts.

Budget restraints are affecting everyone, of course. It must be tough to be a politician at any level and perhaps more so for our municipal government. These are our friends and neighbours, not just anonymous faces.

It must also have been very frustrating for Judy to develop brochures (festivals and events, and farm tours) only to have the budget for printing them voted against. A great number of people are using the web for a variety of reasons. It seems shortsighted to lose the organization and manager who has done an amazing job and been instrumental in building up the Creston festivals and events website, www.crestonevents.ca and www.experiencecreston.com. They are a great resource for the community, tourists and potential new residents (doctors, perhaps). “It has been utilized by so many and is used by other websites and publications for advertising our events,” said Judy.

It seems shortsighted in light of the links to our economic recovery. It’s almost an essential service (without minimizing other essential services).

If this service is dropped, how will the hole be filled? We'll be pedalling backwards.

If you are interested, please let your voice be added to mine. Spread the word. Write a letter to town council.

Louise n'ha Ruby

Kitchener