Editor:
As a citizen and resident of the Sunshine Coast I am deeply concerned with the Federal Electoral Boundary Commission's proposed changes that would split the Sunshine Coast into two separate regions.
The proposed boundary separates the North Coast and South Coast halves of the Sunshine Coast area. We are different in some aspects however, we are one community with many more things that connect us than divide us.
We share many common values, shared economic interests and we are currently represented provincially, as a united community. I believe that this division of community would have a negative effect and be detrimental to our unique Sunshine Coast community.
A great deal of history bonds us. We have common heritage. We work co-operatively. Economically, we're more closely aligned with the Powell River region than we are with West Vancouver and resort communities such as Whistler. Unfortunately, we would lose that synergy with the Upper Sunshine Coast by having us split into different ridings.
The concerns and issues of rural communities can differ greatly with urban districts and the majority of the population in the proposed new riding will reside in the urban West Vancouver region.
With respect to our demographic make up we share so much with our North Coast Powell River and North Vancouver Island communities and not so much with our urban neighbours on the mainland, West Vancouver. With regard to income levels, occupations, population density, population make up, we are quite different.
We are one community, bonded by numerous commonalities and unique characteristics and I encourage concerned citizens of the South Coast to voice their concerns by writing to the commission secretary at [email protected] or go online: Public Hearings Notice Form.
Larry Koopman
Elphinstone
