Editor:
It was interesting to see the article and picture in the Coast Reporter about the 100 folks that turned up in front of the MLA’s office at Pier 17 in Davis Bay (“Fairy Creek protest draws more than 100 people,” June 4). I knew there were way more than 50 but double the B.C. prescribed gathering maximum of 50!
I was happy to see so many concerned and banner-waving advocates out to stress the saving of our ancient forests. Your placard messages were strong and positive, but if you want to garner more support from the public then you need to show that your organizers care about following the B.C. health directives. Not only was this crowd flaunting the maximum number allowed but when I crawled by in my car, because folks were pushing out onto the pavement, there was definitely no social distancing and several were not wearing masks!
I appreciate your cause and the right to protest but to deliberately organize an event without due regard to Dr. Bonnie Henry’s directions to slow the spread of COVID-19 is a blatant disregard for the health of your neighbours in our small community.
Your message about logging was lost by drawing more attention to not following the health rules. Next time you organize a rally I suggest you plan on having multiple locations along the Davis Bay waterfront with each having less than the allowable maximum gathering number. Complete with social distancing and face mask requirements.
One large group of people clustered together disregarding the rules is far less powerful than several smaller groups showing strong support for our community as well as the cause.
Michael Price, Sechelt
