Editor:
I am writing in response to two letters in your previous edition regarding the lack of “seaside vision” and the “shipwreck eyesore” on the Trail Bay beach.
I live in one of those “concrete monoliths” at The Watermark and am experiencing, for the first time, condo living. I did not recently sell a Vancouver home at today’s inflated real estate prices and make a bundle of cash. I’m a retired school teacher who has lived on the Sunshine Coast for 20 years. If The Watermark can be described as “monolithic” then what would you call some of Vancouver’s high-rise towers? The Watermark buildings are only six storeys high and each level is terraced on the sea side, unlike a monolith structure. Furthermore, the two buildings are separated by a large plaza which allows public access from Teredo Street to the seawall walkway. It is an ideal condo development for retirees like myself. The land that The Watermark is built on was formally a vacant treed lot with dense undergrowth, which was often used by a few colourful locals to party in.
The “shipwreck eyesore” on the beach in front of The Watermark, as I understand it, may cost more to remove than the boat itself is worth. Nevertheless, the owner of the vessel has taken out those parts that could prove harmful to the environment and intends to remove the shipwreck in time. As far as I am concerned, if the mast, all the lines and metal railings were gone, the hull could stay where it lies amongst all the logs on the beach. After all, it’s not that big and it is right up against the rock wall.
In conclusion, my advice to those who may be upset that their version of a “seaside vision” is under attack by change is to chill out, as the young people say. After all, we are fortunate to be living in a wonderful part of our province. I have learned from all the dogs in my life, if you can’t eat it, and you can’t play with it, then just pee on it and get on with enjoying the rest of the day.
Tom Maye, Sechelt
