The news that Roberts Creek’s Sunshine Coast Regional District director Mark Lebbell won’t be seeking re-election this fall came as a shock. “It was a very difficult decision for us,” Lebbell said, “but it continues to feel like the right one for all generations of our family. Roberts Creek is such a thoughtful, supportive and appreciative community and the work continues to be a real pleasure as well as a privilege.”
“I was disappointed to hear that Mark will not be standing again as our SCRD director,” said Roberts Creek Official Community Plan Committee chair John Gibbs. “It will be a loss to the Creek. It is hard to imagine anyone working as hard as Mark. Aside from the innumerable meetings he must attend and the endless issues he wrestles with, Mark pursues a policy of constant and effective communication. He works hard at understanding and truly representing residents’ views. And he has been a big help to me personally at the OCPC.”
“His will be tough shoes to fill,” said Sarah Bradley, community activist and editor of Boot Tales. “It’s been a pleasure to work with Mark in the community these last three years.”
Echoing the sentiments of many others in the community, Roberts Creek Community Association president Scott Avery said, “Mark has proven to be a wonderful, rational, dedicated, passionate Roberts Creek community representative at the SCRD table whose committed, open-door engagement with all Roberts Creek residents has truly reflected the will of the people.”
But, it’s months until the elections roll around and, in the meantime, the voice of the Creek will continue to be heard loud and clear on many topics at the SCRD, not least the ongoing water wars.
This month the Roberts Creek OCPC will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Roberts Creek Elementary School library. Members of the public are welcome as always. Last month a lively discussion was had on short-term rentals and the quest for affordable accommodation on the Coast, with SCRD planner David Rafael in attendance and taking notes.
The OCPC may revisit the question on Feb. 13, said Gibbs, “but it will be hard to see the committee coming to a single we-should-do-this conclusion. I do not envy the SCRD board in grappling with this. In my mind it is hard to imagine a conclusion that will be politically palatable and increase the supply of long-term rentals on the Coast, which is the point.”
Also meeting on the second Tuesday of this month is the Roberts Creek Healthcare Auxiliary. Their first meeting of 2018 will be held at the Roberts Creek Legion on Lower Road at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. These are the volunteers whose many hours of fundraising and service help keep health care on the Coast strong and vibrant. New members welcome.
This month two dances are being held at the Roberts Creek Hall. The Ruff and Tumble Reggae dance on Saturday, Feb. 3 features performers and composers Sugah Candiah (lead vocals), Tim Watson (drums), Paul Ryan (bass), Devon Martin (keyboard) and Matt Doctor (guitar). Presale tickets online or at the door, 9 p.m. until late, 19 plus.
On Saturday night, Feb. 10, the Sunshine Coast Filipino-Canadian Association hosts a Valentine’s Day dinner and dance at Roberts Creek Hall, a fundraiser featuring Playback. Tickets at Passionista in Gibsons.
Please donate to the Raise the Roof campaign funding a much-needed new roof for Roberts Creek Hall, the heart of the community for more than 80 years. Your generosity before Feb. 14 will guarantee that your donation will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $3,000) by two wonderful donors. See www.gofund
me.com/robertscreekhall-roof or send a cheque made out to Roberts Creek Com-munity Association, 1309 Roberts Creek Road, Roberts Creek, B.C. V0N 2W2.
To send news about the activities of your Roberts Creek group, contact me at [email protected] before noon Mondays.
