Dear Editor,

We the undersigned wish to make the following joint statement: we strongly urge that the Albion Flats remain in the Agricultural Land Reserve.

The area is unique, because such natural eco-systems in urban zones are being lost throughout the Fraser Valley at an alarming rate.

The area has the potential to become a valuable asset benefitting everyone. With some changes and improvements, it is possible that the Albion Flats can serve many purposes: as a natural habitat for various fish species, birds, insects, indigenous plants, and animals, many of which are already found there, as a living laboratory for students at every level, as a place for the demonstration and cultivation of fruits and vegetables, and as a site to attract nature-lovers, artists, and tourists. Such attractions and uses are limited only by our imagination and willingness to become involved.

We have the advantage of having among us many knowledgeable individuals and interested groups, who we feel sure would willingly contribute expertise and efforts to realize most or all of the above possibilities.

Beryl Cunningham, Christian Cowley, Charles Ellman, Jack Emberley, Liz Hancock, James Kim, Shiela Nichols, Val Patenaude, Denis Prasad, Robert Prince, Wilma Robinson, and Dan Ruimy