On Sept. 17, the federal and provincial governments announced $540 million in funding to support local government operations. The program offers money to help local governments reopen facilities, cover operating costs and offset lost revenues due to COVID-related impacts. In addition, it is intended to revitalize community infrastructure, enhance connections between communities and create employment ... Read More »
After weeks of speculation, BC NDP Leader John Horgan announced a provincial general election will occur on Oct. 24, following a meeting with BCs Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin. “I have just met with the Lieutenant Governor, and she has agreed with my request to hold an election on Oct. 24,” said Horgan. “The COVID-19 pandemic ... Read More »
The fate of vehicle traffic and parking along Sechelt’s Trail Bay Boulevard is up for debate again. At its Sept. 16 meeting, council authorized an application to a federal/provincial infrastructure grant for 73 percent of up to $600,500 in upgrades on the waterfront between Shorncliffe and Trail avenues. Council did not finalize whether vehicle traffic ... Read More »
SCRD staff will be looking into potential increases to recreation centre user fees. On Sept. 17, a board committee asked for a report on implementing higher fees to help offset the increased operational costs at these locations. This request came from committee discussion of a report on future capital funding needed at the four SCRD ... Read More »
(Re: “The real COVID crisis,” letters, the Local, Sept. 17) So, Susan Fletcher would like the five million residents of BC to throw in the towel and stop our protective measures against COVID, hoping for herd immunity. In the US, where restrictions have been present but lax, the death rate has reached 2.97 percent. At ... Read More »
I spoke with two long-term employees at the former Gibsons Recycling Depot this morning about the possibility of having the new owners re-introduce the ‘Share Shed’ idea so beautifully put into place by Barb Hetherington and Buddy Boyd. I was told that the staff is very enthusiastic about having this brought back! I would encourage ... Read More »
(Re: “Public consultation?” letters, the Local, Sept. 17) We much appreciated the thoughtful and well-researched comments by Mark Evans in the Sept. 17 edition of the Local. We have spoken to BC Gardener Steve Whysall, who was of the opinion that large conifers such as cedar or hemlock are inappropriate in small lots near houses ... Read More »
As of Aug. 24, masks were made mandatory on public transit. This is a most excellent plan, as it is impossible to socially distance yourself properly on a bus. There is no better place to pass on a virus than on public transit. Last week, I witnessed a disgraceful incident on my bus ride to ... Read More »
Sometimes we need to be reminded of the basics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials have repeated clear messages about handwashing, physical distancing and mask-wearing. These are relatively simple preventative measures to limit the virus’s spread. Responding to climate change isn’t so simple, yet it’s every bit as urgent. Although many paths can help ... Read More »
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