Editor:
Along with other residents on the Sunshine Coast, we have just read about the tragedy facing the families who have been evacuated from their homes due to the “sinkhole problem” that exists in the Seawatch area of Sechelt. We cannot imagine the stress this places on those whose lives have been so suddenly and dramatically altered by these circumstances. It now seems vital that our community should come to the aid of those who are experiencing such duress.
Here are some ways that come to mind that may lessen the burden of our neighbours:
1. Banks and other lending institutions could put in place a grace period of several years on the mortgages they hold on properties in the area, something well within their financial capabilities.
2. Local storage companies could come to the aid of families by providing free storage for a time or other concessions.
3. Those of us in the community who have extra space in our homes could offer temporary accommodation for families in distress.
4. The District of Sechelt and the Greater Regional District could offer more direct assistance to families than they have provided thus far concerning their possessions and other transition difficulties.
Of course, these are just some of the ways that might be used to help our unfortunate neighbours. There are certainly other steps that can be employed to assist the families that are in need of a hand-up. It all goes back to what determines the health of a community, which comes close to the old biblical saying that it’s all about how well we care for those in distress.
We hope that our local institutions and agencies will step outside our normal routines and protocols to provide some much-needed assistance to our Seawatch neighbours. If we do, we will all be the better for doing so.
Gary Pennington, Roberts Creek
