Sechelt Mayor and Council:
I am a Grade 9 student whose friend’s father is one of my hockey coaches, and the manager of South Coast Ford.
I am writing to you concerning the South Coast Ford “animated, freestanding” sign. I have read the District of Sechelt sign bylaw and the Coast Reporter article on the issue, and have also talked to the manager of the facility.
The bylaw clearly states a service station, not a gas station (although those can be called service stations) is allowed to have a sign with changing text on the premises. South Coast Ford has a service station on premises. Mr. Copping purchased and installed this sign in accordance with current regulations and is now being told it is now illegal. Even though he followed the bylaws and had a permit in place, he is being told by your council that he will be fined over $100 daily for having the sign.
South Coast Ford is an important community figure, as they support/have supported multiple sports events including charity golf tournaments, men’s hockey tournaments, minor hockey tournaments, and local performing arts events such as The Nutcracker. South Coast Ford also supports many families in need for Christmas. They currently employ 26 people in our communities.
I did not like the fact that you would not let Mr. Copping speak his side of the story in the council meeting. I also do not appreciate the way that Ms. Letman assumes that everyone interpret the bylaw the way she sees it. If you are going to interpret it that way, you should change the wording of the bylaw and either let Mr. Copping keep his sign, since he has complied with the current bylaw, or reimburse him for the cost of the sign in whole.
In conclusion, I would like you to either reconsider or reverse your decision on South Coast Ford’s sign.
Brison Geue, Halfmoon Bay
