Editor:

I sure am blessed and lucky to have such admirable neighbors.

Far from being “uneducated harassers of Target Marine and the District council as stated in a recent letter to the editor, (Coast Reporter, Aug. 24) my neighbors have researched their subject since 1998 when the inlet communities struck an agreement with Target Marine Hatcheries for raising salmon smolts, an enterprise which at that time would not disturb the residential status of the neighborhood.

My neighbors have doggedly researched everything having to do with Target Marine. They have spent hours at council and planning committee meetings, listening, questioning, and taking good notes. They have regular communication with provincial government agencies on what is permitted or not.

They have kept us informed. They know and understand the laws governing zoning, reading the fine print. They take seriously such things as official community plans which the councils of Sechelt and Gibsons (Gospel Rock sell-off) are all too willing to toss aside. For sure they are “whistle-blowers” (and we know what happens to whistle-blowers). From my neighbors I, as an outsider, have received a first-class education in Canadian civics and government. I admire their strength and character in standing up to powerful entities who would steam-roll over those who get in their way, with no concern for the best interests of residents.

How many are willing to fight for their rights in the courts? In every way my neighbors exemplify responsible citizenship.

The issues in the Target Marine controversy may seem petty, insignificant, but they are far-reaching. What is happening in my neighborhood is happening all over North America. Wake up Canadians! Wake up residents of the Sunshine Coast! The quality of your future is at stake.

And thank you, thank you Ms. Kuciuk and Ms. Forrest!

Beverly Nelson

Sechelt