Editor:

In response to the letter to Sechelt mayor and council, written by Elizabeth McNeil (Coast Reporter, May 4), it has to be said: the negative perceived impacts of a local business expanding are a direct result of fear mongering; a smear campaign put together by the very same residents who had a camp-fire ban implemented in our jewel of a park, Porpoise Bay Park.

I have lived on the Sunshine Coast for 30 years, and I grew up with summer camping trips at the park and my most favourite memory of those camping trips was marshmallows roasting on our fire — our own fire. However, upon a recent visit to this park I was informed that no campsite fires were allowed, due to the close by residents complaining of the campfire smoke pervading and negatively influencing their way of life.

These are the same people who are now claiming that a local business being granted a rezoning amendment is going to dissuade tourist's and subsequently, their tourist dollars, away from enjoying Porpoise Bay Park, and our restaurants, clothing stores, and all those who "depend" on this industry for their livelihood.

Does anyone else see the irony here?

I've spoken to many people who have grown up here, who are now running, or working for, the businesses that operate here in Sechelt. I was shocked to learn how many of those long term residents don't use the park for camping any longer. These people now choose to go off Coast now to spend their vacation/camping dollars, and I personally think it's a real shame that the opposition of a few have ruined Porpoise Bay Park for all of us.

Taneth Amos

Gibsons