Editor:
We are new to the Coast, hailing from Vancouver Island and before that North Vancouver. We are following some of our kids and their expanding brood of their own children. They moved here because of the housing costs in Greater Vancouver and started or joined businesses here. We followed and now find ourselves closer to them and also our Vancouver-based grandkids than we were on the Island. The ferry is half the time and half the cost, making the Langdale ferry a bargain by any count over the Island. Such a great and easy commute!
We feel blessed to be in such a wonderful community and climate. It is not with rose-coloured glasses on that we say the Sunshine Coast is one of the jewels of Canada. Yes, we also worry about long-term development and water supply even though we are not “lifers” here – yet. Enough about that. We want to share our new and unblemished thoughts about our Coast.
Recently, we found ourselves at Sechelt Hospital on two occasions visiting the Acute Care Unit for day-surgery and then the Maternity Unit (did I mention growing brood of grandkids?). I cannot express how kind, professional, and caring all the hospital staff were – from reception to nursing, to doctor and building support staff. What a wonderful hospital and staff! The dedication and devotion to patient care is professional and personal from everyone. Kudos to all in the Maternity Unit and rest of the hospital. We feel confident that our emergency and long-term care needs are in great hands here.
Experiences like those at the hospital combined with the interactions we have had with local merchants, service providers, neighbours, and of course the recounted interactions our children have had in the community, paint a powerful and positive impression of our new community. We cannot say enough how lucky we and our family are to be here.
Consider how things are for those living in urban sprawl and gridlock, in large communities where developers and mayors dictate priorities that affect the community and the tax burden. Here, we all have a say and everyone’s opinion counts and is heard – for me, sometimes not enough of the positives. Yes, we live in a protected paradise not without its blemishes. However, I hope we can keep the focus on the beauty of the environment and people – OK, and the water. We wish that some of the kindness and caring we have received can be shared back with others, and maybe even having this letter put a smile on some readers’ faces.
Randy LaBonte, Halfmoon Bay