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Letters to the Editor

Along the trails I have memories, beautiful memories of a time spent in the community you call home. Retirement never was a bore, for we explored the land below the Coast Mountain range, to the back of the Sunshine Coast.

Along the trails

I have memories, beautiful memories of a time spent in the community you call home. Retirement never was a bore, for we explored the land below the Coast Mountain range, to the back of the Sunshine Coast. At that time trails were only remnants of a very active logging history. Hikers faced a rough environment. It was difficult finding a path through massive undergrowth.

But then came Tony Mathews with his power saw and weed eater, and John Hooper thinking about the less able to enjoy that wonderful backcountry. Wednesday hikers, Thursday ladies and the very active weekend groups soon took hold of the opportunity. Some retirees banded together and developed a trail system the provincial forest service proudly called the best in British Columbia. I still remember crossing the stream on a narrow log and now, thanks to the BOMB (Bloody Old Men’s Brigade) Squad’s energy, Squirrel Crossing allows a safe way into that wonderful forest beyond Duck Lake. Today’s hikers walk the trails that were, only a short time ago, dismal tracts.

I recently returned for a visit to hike along Cable Trail. Being in my late 80s I still found it exciting, however, was disappointed that maintenance had been forgotten. It was at one time a fervent duty. Reading your paper between the lines, it appears the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) is a priority [“Manzanita Hut ready for opening,” June 8]. The original trail system seems to be forgotten, bridges are in need of repair, boardwalks have disappeared under rampant undergrowth and trail markers have been seriously neglected.

Where are the hikers that joined the old men’s brigade? Are they now waltzing along the SCT, motoring into the mountains or getting funding to build shelters? Have they forgotten what a pleasure it has been to enjoy and maintain that beautiful land around Powell River?

Helmut Godau

Nanaimo, BC


Diverse thinking needs support

It was interesting to me to read the article “Policy sinks idea,” in the June 8 edition of the Peak. I’m not a resident of Powell River yet but am soon to be one. I have resisted coming to the area for exactly the reasons presented in this article: administrators who can’t see the value of possibility and fear innovation, to such an extent that conversation ends when alternatives could be turned into possibilities.

Having lived in the interior of BC, where this kind of opposition to diverse thinking and possibilities is rampant, it is reflected in high unemployment, lack of engagement in public discourse and the dwindling population of young professionals. Who would want to move or start a business where these kinds of obstacles are the norm?

Let’s keep our small towns vibrant with thinking that inspires innovation and possibility. Let’s think and act on making it easier for our small businesses to get started. Let’s create support systems for success, with accountability to ensure the success that is created is in alignment with the objectives for the continued growth and prosperity of the region.

Michele Roy

Calgary, Alberta