Editor:
Coun. Mike Shanks had it right when he stated that there is no industrial tax base in Sechelt to add $145,027 to the Sechelt Library in 2018 (“No decision yet on library funding ask,” Sept. 22). This lack of initiative by present and past councils could accommodate offsetting the DCCs for Habitat for Humanity $26,856 and the Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue request for $4,600. The threesome request would require $176,483 from the District’s coffers and, if council had the initiative to develop our Trail Bay waterfront in cooperation with the shíshálh Nation, it would not be a problem to fund their requests.
According to the consultant Michael McLaughlin in his Sept. 19 economic development report to Gibson council, it is estimated that $20 million annually can be directly associated to the marine economy in Gibsons. In addition, another $30 million is related to the tourism accommodation, retail and restaurant businesses.
Possibly Sechelt council might consider having Mr. McLaughlin present his report at a regular council meeting so that taxpayers can begin to understand the blatantly obvious solution to our underdeveloped Sechelt economy.
Doug Hockley, West Sechelt
