Dear Readers: This will be my last issue as editor and associate publisher of Coast Reporter. After more than nine years at the paper, the last six-and-a-half as editor, I’ve decided that it’s time to move on to new things.
I leave with mixed feelings because I do enjoy the newspaper craft and will miss the daily interactions with the public and the pleasure of working with great people. Indeed, I enjoy the work too much and as a result have neglected the personal realm. That needs to be corrected.
It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve this community and share words with you every week. We’ve weathered many storms together. I leave a strong and dedicated crew in place, with publisher Peter Kvarnstrom capably at the helm.
The past 20 months – the pandemic months – have taken a toll on all of us. The challenge for the newspaper has been to keep the public informed of the latest public health measures while maintaining some sense of normalcy and continuity for the sake of everyone’s emotional well-being. Despite a near-complete turnover in the editorial staff, we’ve been able to accomplish this by simply tapping into the vitality and solidarity of this community.
That’s why it’s been painful to see deep divisions emerge in recent months, as I described in the Oct. 15 editorial, “Intolerance toward unvaccinated is getting toxic.” The responses – and there were more than 100 – confirmed that the stereotypes being presented of “anti-vaxxers” are based more on insecurity and perception management than engagement with actual people.
Beyond the pandemic and other pressing issues facing the Sunshine Coast, life will go on. While it has its unique features, the Coast shares much in common with other rural communities in Canada: First Nations, Mounties, volunteer fire departments, hockey arenas, resource workers, organic farmers, long-established family businesses and visible connections to the pioneer past. Unlike the cities, rural communities are relatively high trust, with an energetic volunteer base and an authentic, easy-going sense of community. What sets the Sunshine Coast apart is its impressive distribution of highly accomplished people, drawn here by the natural beauty and proximity to Vancouver.
I am humbled to be part of this community and have no plans to leave it. Farewell.
