While surfing the #kamloops Twitter hashtag I happened upon a question from @BlueWaveWSS directed to @terrylakemla @NancyBepple @PeterMilobar #kamloops.

I would not doubt for an instant that this particular question has been asked often and by many. In this particular case it was being asked by Teenagers at WSS (Westsyde secondary school). The question asked, “We think a bridge across river from Westsyde 2 Rayleigh would be good idea. Do U? Plans?”

Coun. Nancy Bepple took to answering the students, saying: “traffic studies don’t support Westsyde/Rayleigh bridge, 900 homes in Rayleigh#tofewpeopleforbridge” and, “there’s not a lot of shopping or jobs in Rayleigh, so what would be the advantage 2 Westsyde?#kamloops #bridge.”

I’m afraid the councillor has missed the point with the assumption that it is Westsyde residents who wish to cross the river to Rayleigh to shop and to work. The fact is, providing residents of Rayleigh access to Westsyde via a bridge will open up Westsyde to many opportunities and accommodate an appreciative, welcoming and everlasting relationship between the two communities. It is Rayleigh residents who will shop and work in Westsyde. Rayleigh residents may send their teenagers to Westsyde secondary. Farmers on both sides of the river will meet and discuss their industry and trade.

Westsyders will have an emergency route across the river should the need arise (heaven forbid), and vice-versa. And there will be jobs.

Council will be visiting Westsyde secondary on Monday and I sure hope there are some students willing to ask the tough questions and not let down if the answer is clearly evasive and without merit or fact.

SHANE DYCK

Kamloops