Editor:
We at Transportation Choices Sunshine Coast (TraC) applaud the business owners and managers in the Sechelt Downtown Business Association (SDBA) for exploring improvements to Sechelt’s downtown in light of physical distancing during the pandemic. We also appreciate the speedy and low-bureaucracy approach that the District of Sechelt staff and officials are intending to take in responding to the SDBA’s request.
Along with the changes the SDBA are wanting to test, we see the opportunity to increase the use of sustainable and healthy transportation options in downtown Sechelt – walking, cycling, and mobility scooters included. We believe that both the community and downtown businesses would benefit from getting people out of their cars and strolling or wheeling down the street, and the space to do that safely in these COVID-19 times can be found by making better use of the full width of Cowrie Street, including the roadway, parking stalls, and sidewalk.
The physical and mental health benefits of active transportation are well accepted, so the more we build walking and cycling into our routines, the better we will be. Many towns and cities around the world have implemented popular car-free or reduced car zones, so it seems to be an idea worth exploring. We note that reducing dependency on automobiles and increasing “walkability” and active transportation in the downtown area is a goal stated in many of Sechelt’s official plans and strategies.
The timing of these changes couldn’t be better, given the increased use of walking and cycling to get around over the last few months. If history is any indication, there will be issues raised with any change to Cowrie Street, but let’s see if we can find innovative solutions to these issues, and increase the health, sustainability and prosperity of downtown Sechelt!
Dave Hawkins, Director, Transportation Choices Sunshine Coast (TraC) transportationchoices.ca
