All too often on the municipal front on the Sunshine Coast the news appears to be primarily negative. This week is a distinct departure from the norm.
The first of three positive stories emanating from our local councils is a huge one for the people of Gibsons. A comprehensive study of the Town's aquifer has determined that the liquid gold that is so necessary for human (and other animal) life is in great shape. Even if the Town's population grows to 10,000 there is sufficient water supply. However, like all magnificent gifts from Mother Earth, this one needs to be conserved.
High levels of diligence are necessary to not waste or pollute this wonder. Many parts of the world would die to have our water. In fact they do everyday. Make it habit to conserve and preserve this most precious asset.
We echo Coun. Dan Bouman's words that the report is a tremendous gift to the people of Gibsons.
The second bit of good news also comes from Gibsons' council.
After determining there is a great deal of controversy over the proposed Rogers tower above the Town's fire hall, the local politicos have decided to step back and allow greater discussion on the proposal.
We agree with Mayor Wayne Rowe that council is sitting between a rock and a hard place on this issue. There is contradictory evidence, scientific and anecdotal, on the safety of EMF energy the towers emit. And while it's easy to say that Health Canada has determined that emissions are safe, there's still doubt in the minds of the people who live in the vicinity of the tower.
On the other side of the coin, Rogers has said the tower is necessary to enhance their service to the area. The telecommunications company will make the necessary changes including upgrading the fire hall's existing infrastructure, improving 9-1-1 service and the fire department's radio dispatch service. No small potatoes in a Town struggling to find infrastructure resources like most other little towns in B.C.
Ultimately the decision council reaches will displease someone, but a town hall meeting will go a long way to having the concerns aired in public.
The third new item this past week that we think came as a result of listening to the community is the decision to nix the proposed one-way designation for Cowrie Street in Sechelt. After much discussion in our letters pages, in local shops and council meetings the decision to scrap the plan appears to be what the area businesses want. And while there's still some concern that the merchants want changes made to encourage more shoppers, for now there will be no wholesale changes to bus routes or traffic patterns.
We wish every week could be so encouraging.
