Editor:
Although I live in Victoria now, I remember as a child my grandfather Walter Boucher living in Granthams Landing feeding the seagulls from his window overlooking the coastal mountains. He loved the serenity Gibsons had to offer and as a retired bank manager turned fishermen I watched him at the age of 88 carry his rowboat down to the water on his back. Today people of all ages like my grandfather crave this type of natural small village type of atmosphere; there are so very few communities that have this these days.
Instead of overbearing high rises and glossy tacky in-your-face architecture, Gibsons could have a tasteful small pub/restaurant overlooking the water, maybe First Nations architecture or West Coast with lots of wood. As a tour director for many years a popular side trip in Fairbanks, Alaska was to an island via paddle-wheeler to have a salmon barbecue. Perhaps Keats Island could be a destination for this type of excursion in a cedar canoe led by a First Nations interpreter. You already have a fabulous harbour with boat and kayak rentals; perhaps you could incorporate your existing market into a waterfront location resembling a mini Granville Island or Lonsdale Quay, complete with buskers and musicians. A public people place where families can enjoy the beautiful views of the harbour and where you can have picnics.
These are the type of experiences people are seeking in our high tech, frazzled and stressful world. I pray this precedent-setting case is not approved. Otherwise it will change the Sunshine Coast forever!
Rachel McDonnell, Victoria
