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Paranoia on the Coast

Letters

Editor:

I have made several work-related trips to the Coast. I grew up in Powell River; the Sunshine Coast is like my backyard. I could find myself lost in the forest and find my way without GPS or any technology.

I found the people on the Coast have gone crazy over this COVID-19. I was tested at the hospital and by the BCCDC and the results came back negative. My own uncle wouldn’t even meet or talk to me on the docks.

I understand there is a large population of the elderly on the Coast. However, when I’m sitting in my Jeep and people are freaking out that I am putting the entire Coast at risk – despite testing negative – paranoia has hit all-time highs.

As I said to my uncle: People on the Coast do not want mines. They do not want pipelines. They do not want heavy industry. They do not want logging. They do not want pulp mills. They want tourism, but they don’t want tourists? People have to do something for a living.

I love the Coast and find the people to be generally very nice, great people. However, something has to give. People have to make a living.

I was on my way to Powell River to build reasonably priced housing for rental. I did stop to do some site surveys of parks, but even if infected I can’t give the virus to a tree, nor can I get it from a tree. I love the Coast. I wouldn’t damage nature.

Kris Taylor, Surrey