The island

Letters take opposing views on Denman high-speed internet referendum

Two letters in the Grapevine make contrasting arguments about a referendum on high-speed internet access.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2021-10-28 · compiled 2026-10-01

Back issue. The Denman Firestarter did not exist on 2021-10-28. This edition was compiled on 2026-10-01 from the public record as it stood on 2021-10-28, and contains nothing dated after that day — no outcomes, no hindsight. It is a reconstruction of what was on the record at the time, not a document from the time. This edition.

Report. Facts and citations only. Where we argue a position we do it in Analysis, labelled. Our standards.

Two letters in this week’s Grapevine take opposing positions on a referendum concerning high-speed internet for Denman Island. ^[1]

In a letter signed “Sheldon Rempel, Denman Island,” the writer supports the proposal, saying internet access is critical for musicians and helps with streaming, promoting shows, finding venues and lessons, and networking with peers. ^[1]

A separate opinion piece by Ron Sakolsky criticizes high-speed internet connectivity, arguing that it brings surveillance and gentrifying consequences. The two pieces present different views; the newsletter does not establish the claims as facts. ^[1]

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