New, enjoyable, and encouraging experiences aren’t just pleasures for the young.
That thought leaped to mind as I realized, after six weeks as interim general manager of Coast Reporter, that the Sunshine Coast communities are distinctive, refreshing and enjoyable in many positive ways.
I’ve spent most of the last 50 years in British Columbia, almost entirely on the Lower Mainland, and have come to understand the particular charms and idiosyncrasies of communities as different as Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, Richmond, White Rock, Mission, Abbotsford, Surrey and for the last 25 years, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
Lower Mainland communities, generally much larger and urban in nature, tend to share some unfortunate generalities that haven’t been nearly as identifiable on the Coast.
For example: drivers on the Lower Mainland tend to fall into three categories – really crazy, consistently inconsiderate, and sometimes reasonable. Often, 15 to 20 kilometres an hour over the speed limit is routine; what used to be normal traffic courtesy can seldom be found, and if you’re a pedestrian trying to cross a street, I wish you patience and the best of luck. It’s not just that streets and roads are busier, it seems more drivers are in a frantic rush to get from one busy place to another.
My experience on the Coast has been much different and far more enjoyable. For example, the speed limit is often recognized, drivers are far more likely to behave responsibly even when the traffic is heaviest, and letting another vehicle in even when leaving the ferry, is common. Also, scaring pedestrians doesn’t seem to be a consistent goal of drivers, and I haven’t seen even one single digit salute since being here.
Common courtesy is not limited to driving. In both Sechelt and Gibsons I’ve found the act of holding a door for someone usually elicits a thank you or a grateful nod of the head, and if a driver slows down to let a pedestrian cross the street and get out of the rain, that often prompts a friendly wave of the hand or a smile as well.
In restaurants and other places of business, I’ve seen friendly smiles from individuals who aren’t so rushed that they can’t acknowledge a greeting from others. Grumpiness is not the common currency in any of the places where I’ve gone to shop or eat.
Similar civilities that used to be commonplace in most Lower Mainland communities are now nearly extinct. Rapidly growing populations, gridlock and congestion and ever-rising levels of tension and uncertainty have filtered into many lives. Courtesy has been a casualty.
I’m not foolish enough to think that life on the Coast is without its challenges, but in comparative terms, the calmer lifestyle enjoyed by many really contributes to the way people positively interact on a daily basis.
For me it is a real pleasure and an enjoyable trip back in time, to see apparent strangers greet each other in a friendly fashion and never think of avoiding eye contact. On the Coast, it seems that exchanging pleasantries is not a burden but an opportunity to make everyone’s day a little brighter.
I’m here for a good time, not a long time, and I’m delighted to experience the friendliness and civility of life on the Coast.
Share a smile a day, and keep the grouches away.
