Opinion

Editor: As I entered the Gibsons and Area Community Centre last week, I was confronted by a large (almost three-metre tall) pile of garbage bags "decorated" as a Christmas tree.

Editor: The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful place with a rich culture. The rural setting has many benefits: limited pollution and congestion, a modest pace and close proximity to nature.

Editor: As I look at the pictures of demonstrators against cutting trees, pipelines or just about anything, I am struck by the fact that most of these people look just like me (older and gray haired).

Editor: The rains are here, salmon are returning to spawn in the creeks, and it is a great time to indulge in a comfortable chair and a good read. The latest must read is titled The Uncertain Future of Fraser River Sockeye by Justice Bruce Cohen.

As we make our holiday wish lists and check them twice before we head out to shop on the Coast this Christmas season, we should take a moment to remember how blessed many of us are.

Editor: Re. "Doctor shortage reaching crisis stage" (Coast Reporter, Nov .16) We are writing with the intention of bringing awareness to an often overlooked health care option: naturopathic medicine. In B.C.

Editor: Regarding speed limits on Highway 101, I'd like to point out that any time savings produced by driving at the existing 80 km/h (rather than the proposed 60) between Flume Road and Lower Road are minimal at best.

The following letter was sent to the community forest board and copied to Coast Reporter. I appreciate the Sechelt community forest board publishing names and profiles of board members.

The following letter was sent to the District of Sechelt and copied to Coast Reporter. In a democratic society, the governing bodies are elected by the people, for the people.

Editor: The front-page news flash (Coast Reporter, Nov. 16) advising the Sunshine Coast residents of the doctor shortage is alarming.