[news] Naturists Stand United Against UBC Towers

[Press Release Media Service]

http://www.alternatives.com/skisby/towers/wbps1203.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 3, 2004

NATURISTS STAND UNITED AGAINST UBC TOWERS
Wreck Beach Preservation Society (WBPS) to Receive International Donations

The international protest against threats to Wreck Beach has never been stronger or more unified. Steve Critchley, President of Western Canadian Association for Nude Recreation (W-CANR), will fly into Vancouver this weekend to present WBPS with a cheque covering donations from several American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR) clubs. Donations will also be presented from the Federation of Canadian Naturists (FCN), Pacific Canadian Association of Nudists (P-CAN), the Naturist Education Foundation (NEF), the Society for Okanagan Naturists (SOON), and South Florida Free Beaches (SFFB). These groups and many others represent sweeping solidarity from naturist groups and individuals internationally.

Individuals who support keeping Wreck Beach both natural and au naturel, have deluged officials with letters opposing the proposed UBC Marine Residences project. Almost 500 letters opposing the project have been sent to GVRD and UBC officials. The International Naturist Federation based in Antwerp, Belgium which represents 33-million naturists, has sent a letter strongly censuring UBC's plan. As well, WBPS has gathered almost 21,500 petition signatures, not just from residents of the Lower Mainland, but also from individuals representing 62 countries, 47 states, and all provinces and territories.

On November 22, 2004, UBC announced several proposed changes to its design, though it has not yet provided this revised design to WBPS for its review. Despite the changes, the Towers are going to remain visible from the beach. This conflicts with the GVRD Board's resolution opposing any development that "would compromise the historical viewscape and the privacy of Wreck Beach from all areas of exposed beach at low tide." WBPS, supported by naturists from around the world, remains opposed to buildings that will be visible from Wreck Beach.

The Wreck Beach Preservation Society executive will be joined by the Pacific Spirit Park Society executive for this historic presentation in sight of the shame of UBC.

The media are invited to join us in this historic event atop the Fraser Parkade, east of the first tower currently being constructed. Time: 11 a.m. Date: Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004. Location: Top floor above Lower Mall.

Contacts: 

Judy Williams, Chair, WBPS, 604-856-9598, cell 604-308-6336
James Loewen, Vice-Chair, WBPS, 604-689-9697
Chris Rarinca, Treasurer, WBPS, 604-420-4742
Lara Tessaro, Legal Counsel, A. Cameron Ward & Co., 604-688-6881
Ed Chessor, President, PSPS, 604-224-0967
Steve Critchley, 604-788-3127