Editor:
Last week, Coast Reporter conducted a poll asking readers to weigh in on a “clothing-optional” beach for the Sunshine Coast.
What a great idea! Everyone would be happy, and when approved, such designations would certainly increase tourism on the Sunshine Coast. The beaches would be packed!
Better yet, let’s make all beaches on the Coast clothing optional. Covering up at the beach is a colonialist concept that has kept us in the “dark ages” and the message nowadays is colonialism is bad news.
Some residents here on the Coast may not be in favour of such liberal concepts. However, we live in Canada, we’re liberal thinkers, and those who aren’t need to embrace change.
With elections in October, clothing-optional beaches need to be added to the platform of all politicians seeking office here on the Coast. This is one promise politicians could act on immediately and implement for the summer of 2019.
Should it be decided that all beaches not be “clothing optional,” then I would suggest only the most prominent and popular beaches be considered. Armours Beach and the beaches at Roberts Creek, Davis Bay, Trail Bay, Sargeant Bay Provincial Park and Dan Bosch Regional Park.
With the Langdale terminal expansion being planned, the beach next to the terminal would also be a perfect location for a clothing-optional designation. Visitors could walk off the ferry and head straight to the beach. Just imagine!
We need to be welcoming of everyone who would like to have the choice to wear, or not to wear, clothes on our beaches. It’s “freedom of expression.”
For the grand opening of each clothing-optional beach, we could invite the Prime Minister to the Coast for selfies – and who knows? This may just provide the guarantee he needs for another Liberal majority.
“Sunny Ways” Sunshine Coast!
Richard Austin, Halfmoon Bay
