Distinctive communities
Last week, I met with the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC). I need to convey a main point for MPs and others involved in the process: it’s way more difficult than it may look for an MP to discuss boundary changes in his or her own riding [“Boundaries commission keeps to original proposal,” January 30]. In fact, as I said at the beginning of my remarks to PROC, my submission “may have been the most difficult I’ve made in my four years as an MP.”
The conflict involved is in balancing the mandated need to reduce population size for the ridings while the MP continues to represent the communities in his or her riding. There is always the ever-present duty on the MP to represent the needs and aspirations of people and communities in the riding, which may be difficult to interpret.
My riding is a great illustration of the challenge. With the longest name in the House of Commons, it is a perfect divide between rural and urban; contains several distinct communities; and is defined by distinctive character as you take the two ferry rides from Powell River in the north, through the Sunshine Coast to the North Shore; then wheel your way onward up the Sea to Sky Corridor to Whistler, one of the world’s most renowned resorts.
The boundary commission has proposed to put Powell River with Vancouver Island North. Leaders in Powell River have expressed the desire to remain with the Sunshine Coast, which remains in the riding.
I do not want any part of the riding I represent to leave. Whether by work or by friendship, I am bound tightly to each of these far-flung and colourful communities and will be reluctant to see them separated. I am sensitive as well to the people in these communities who have expressed their desire to stay within the riding I represent. Population and other factors may drive other conclusions but, as I put it to the PROC last week, I prefer Powell River and Whistler stay within the boundaries of what I often call “the most beautiful place on Earth.” I’m sure other MPs face similar dilemmas in their submissions.
John Weston, MP
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
Town thrives
In regard to Dawn Adaszynski’s letter voicing her disappointment in Stuart McLean’s decision to end his “Ode to the Sunshine Coast” poem before actually reaching Powell River, I have to say that my friends and I had the very same thoughts [“Storyteller disappoints long-time-fan,” March 6]. It’s apparent in McLean’s reply that he still doesn’t really get it—but that’s okay. You have to be here for a little while before you realize just how large of a disconnect exists between the Upper and Lower Sunshine Coast. He still put on a great show.
What I find fascinating is McLeans’s response to Adaszynski’s letter. This is a man who has made a career of travelling around small-town Canada and shining his light on what makes these towns tick, what gives these towns their character. It was hard not to notice that the three businesses McLean chose to spotlight in his response—Townsite Brewing, Edie Rae’s Cafe, Costa Del Sol—are all only a year or so old and that two out of three were started by Powell River “transplants.” What a wonderful thing.
I want to congratulate these forward-thinking entrepreneurs. It takes real guts to open a business in a town where there’s a constant murmur of “this town’s dying.” I acknowledge each for standing tall on the other side of that fence. Businesses like these show that our town can actually thrive, just in a different way than before. In some ways it already is. The potential here is incredible if you just choose to look for it. Let’s hope that our town continues to embrace positive change, new ideas and new people instead of subscribing to the all too common sentiments of fear and ignorance. Death is truly in the eye of the beholder.
Trevor Mervyn
Sycamore Street
Golf gives
Regarding the online negative comments about Myrtle Point Golf Club, Myrtle Point is one of the jewels of this community [“Poor economy hits golf club hard,” March 20].
Walking the course one sees beautiful trees, lakes, flowers, views to the snowy mountains on Vancouver Island. It is a haven for soaring eagles, herons, ducks, deer, beaver, bear, elk.
Since its inception in 1992, Myrtle Point has hosted many golf tournaments creating thousands of dollars for local and provincial charities. Our golf course is comparable to any course in BC. It has attracted new residents and visitors to Powell River, thus contributing to the economy.
Golf is a lifetime sport. It is a means of making new friends, social contact and, of course, exercise in the fresh air free from noisy traffic and pollutants. School-age boys and girls who golf learn discipline, etiquette and integrity.
No, my friends, “Golf is not a good walk spoiled.” Ask any of our 80-plus-year-old members who are regularly on the course. Try it, you’ll love it.
Nan Cornwall
Toba Street
