Editor:
Your report of Nov. 13 on the rejection of the new sign at South Coast Ford’s facility on Wharf Street shows poor judgment by Sechelt council.
Since the bylaw is not clear, council has decided to interpret it retroactively. On that basis, if they insist on changes to the sign, then taxpayers must reimburse South Coast. You can’t implement bylaws retroactively willy-nilly.
However, if council is insisting the sign must be taken down because it is a distraction and a safety issue, then there can be no exceptions – safety must come first. This, even though the sign is not on a highway but in the heart of the village’s business area which is already full of distractions. All the major cities in this country are obviously wrong about this too. And if the bylaw “specifically meant changeable text” then for starters, the Legion sign just across the street and the signs at the Arts Centre and Seniors Centre must come down too – for safety – because they have changeable text too! Council best prepare ahead for the reaction.
South Coast Ford is a long-time community employer and has just made a very large investment in the District, only to be attacked by our “business friendly council.” Council is once again looking to incur legal costs for the taxpayer if South Coast proceeds with an action. Of course, it might be cheaper for South Coast to put in one gas pump with a small storage tank and a fixed sign selling gas at $20 a litre. They should not be bothered in their regular “service station” business and would meet council’s reinterpreted “gasoline” bylaw fully.
I have no personal interest in South Coast Ford except that they have provided me with outstanding service for over 17 years. I have, however, an interest in fairness and sensible decisions.
Bob D’Arcy, Sechelt
