Editor:
During the discussion regarding the possible re-designation of the “District of Sechelt” to the “City of Sechelt,” it would be beneficial to note that the British Columbia Local Government Act (RSBC 2015) governs specific requirements related to the classification of municipalities.
Division 2, Section 10 of the Act specifically indicates that a Village has a population under 2,500, a Town has a population between 2,500 and 5,000, and a City has a population greater than 5,000. There is an additional clause which indicates that if a municipality has over 800 hectares (which Sechelt has) then population density may change the designation to District Municipality.
While it appears many residents may initially be opposed to the suggestion to reclassify Sechelt as a City, we should continue looking ahead and not entertain the notion of going backwards to the days of being designated a Village or Town, which we have long outgrown.
John McDougall-Goulet, Sechelt
