Editor:
As a newcomer to public meetings concerning the proposed seniors housing Wesbrooke by the Sea, I was very impressed by the far-reaching presentations and questions at what was ostensibly just an exploration about rezoning with new zoning being invented, at that.
The small but very informed audience led me to believe the senior population of Sechelt is not worried about this project and may heartily endorse it as I do (a senior informed of the pressing need for more care and housing styles at all price levels beyond one’s own family home), because they are not mistaken about the nature of this project. It is a seniors’ housing and assisted living model, not to be confused with the travesty of the B.C. government buying beds from for-profit Trellis to care for our most vulnerable seniors in the end stage of life, requiring professional complex health care 24 hours a day.
Wesbrooke is a badly needed project, and it is needed right now. It may not be perfect in its conception and the changes made to date, but surely our Sechelt council must see the need to add this 124-unit building aimed at middle-income budgets (along with some social housing) to our serious lack of housing at this time of major growth on the Coast, especially in Sechelt. If input from the surrounding residential neighbours cause excessive delays, there is risk of the developers scrapping the project. I urge our government to press ahead and see projects such as this one get built sooner rather than later, showing respect for the seniors who would love to remain on the Coast longer and benefit from the fresh sea air.
In 10 years or less, I think I would love to live in my down-sized home there, whether I drive or take the shuttle!
Carol Shore, Sechelt
