The following letter was sent to Sechelt mayor and council and forwarded to Coast Reporter.
I would like to go on record as being completely in favour of Target Marine's rezoning last year and their sturgeon and caviar processing expansion plans. Their vision for future growth, including applying for permission to construct an interpretive centre to showcase their products and production process to the public, is nothing short of brilliant.
My family and I have lived on Tillicum Bay Road, directly above Target Marine's operation, since 1992 and have never in all of this time had any issues whatsoever with their business practices. Other than during power failures, there is virtually no noise from their operation. They have been composting for many years, and again, we have never smelled anything unpleasant or been inconvenienced in any way. Our business is located right next door (on their property line) and the same applies - no noise, no smell and no problems of any kind.
Target Marine employs 17 full-time employees. Small communities such as Sechelt should encourage their success and future growth for the sake of a healthy local economy and a diverse social fabric. They have also been the deserving recipients of awards from government and environmental groups over the recent years for their contemporary business operation and exemplary environmental practices. These are the sort of forward-thinking and contributory employers that should be supported and encouraged by our local government and community - not hindered and stonewalled.
There has been a tremendous amount of derision and misinformation being directed at Target Marine by a small group of locals here. Many of them don't even live here, and some live kilometres away. Their incentive to deride and discredit Target Marine's operation is not known, but this sort of vigilante action should not direct our local government's policy and decision-making responsibilities.
Douglas Reid
Tillicum Bay Marina
