Review The Vaisakhi Imbroglio

The City Mayor
City of Surrey
13450 104 Avenue
Surrey,BC V3T 1V9

Attention: Ms. Dianne Watts

Dear Ms. Watts

We wish to express our dissatisfaction with the perennial practice of closing major roads leading to the Newton axis in celebration of the so-called vaisakhi festival. As legitimate and tax paying members of the community, we find it most disrupting to other religious and other quasi-commercial activities. As a church situated within this axis, we had to cancel major events scheduled well ahead of last weekend to the dis-taste of our clients.

The sikh festival like every other festival (Christmas, Easter, Ramadan et al) ought to be conducted with due regard and respect for the right of ways of every citizen.

To arbitrarily close all roads leading to major streets is to elevate that particular event above other equally important events that simultaneously holds with the sikh festival. The clear impression is that the particular sect is superior, not only to other religious institutions but indeed to the civic rights of the citizens.

We believe there are other ways to create a seamless traffic flow rather than calling for a cancellation of every other legitimate business activities in deference to this constant clog in the wheel of progress.

To make the city of Surrey an all-inclusive city, welcoming to all, irrespective of race, social class or creed, we request that the right of ways of every other citizen be respected going forward.

Many thanks for your kind understanding.

For and on behalf of all Concerned Citizens

Paul Omonua
Pastor

Cc:

Ms Christy Clark, Premier, BC

RCMP Regional Headquarter

Mr. Jasbir Sandhu, MP Surrey North

Surrey Councilors