I am a founding member of the Kootenay Country Co-op. I was at the Vallican Whole (which was then the Vallican Hole, a hole in the ground on its way to becoming the basement of the building) for the first distribution and was later a board member and day manager during its days in the old South Slocan school. I support the Co-op and liked the idea of a Commons — until I saw the present Co-op’s idea of a Commons. The idea being foisted on us looks common and is uncommonly awful.
I recently visited Montreal and had my first look at Habitat 67. After almost 50 years it still looks original and great. More important to me, it still serves a great social function, providing lots of social housing. Now that is a Commons! The idea of using co-op funds to build big box housing (for that’s what the picture looks like) for rich people and to make money is abhorrent to me. “A generous donation” to Nelson’s social housing fund indeed! How common can you get? If we can’t build social housing I suggest we give the land to someone who can.
Dick Vission, Nelson