Opinion

Editor: While commenting on the George saga, Kylie Hutchinson mentioned Carmel, Monterey and Mendocino (“Find middle ground,” Letters, Sept. 11). All three are delightful, partly because their bylaws restrict height, density and also design.

Editor: I agree with Doug Hockley’s letter of Sept. 11, “Majority too silent,” with one exception. The “majority” has not been silent. In fact, they came out to vote in the last municipal election in numbers amongst the highest per capita in B.C.

Editor: On Wednesday, Sept. 3, we were hiking up the Chapman Creek trail. On the opposite bank we spotted a seagull, which seemed quite unbalanced, at the edge of the creek. On our return, it was sitting, yet its feathers seemed ruffled.

Editor: On July 9, the SCRD directors passed a highly significant motion. They requested the province to undertake a study to look at a “fixed link” (a road, plus possibly a bridge or tunnel across Howe Sound) in comparison to our ferry service.

Editor: I recently returned from a trip down the coast of California. In popular tourist towns such as Carmel, Monterey, and Mendocino, I never saw a building on the waterfront higher than four storeys.

Editor: Re: “2,100 signatures oppose George,” (Coast Reporter, Sept. 4).

Editor: Gibsons council’s Sept. 1 agenda stated that director of planning Andre Boel would report verbally on “potential dates for a public information meeting on the George Hotel and Residences Development Application.

Editor: If you’ve ever been to Paris, you’ll appreciate that official community planning, limits to building heights, and a lasting and unique character can be the most valuable assets a place can have.

Editor: What a thoughtful letter in the Sept. 4 Coast Reporter from Mike Evans (“Against the public will”). I agree completely with every point he makes. It should be mandatory reading for all the SCRD directors.

Editor: If 23,000 people on the Sunshine Coast are consuming 20 million litres of water per day during Stage 2 restrictions, there must be something seriously wrong.