Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to Murray Atherton’s letter regarding the recent lack of island positivity and how “this is just not the island way,” implying that those who are concerned about the process and transparency of some municipal decisions are just whiners and should get over themselves and ‘all their puny sorrows.’
Consistently, letters to the Undercurrent regarding various issues have been reasonable, thoughtful and erudite queries, and yes, most respectful. Yet, in Mr. Atherton’s opinion, the last “loudest negative voice” shouldn’t be heard. True, Bowen Island, at times, might just be “an argument surrounded by water,” but does that suggest there should be a moratorium on debating issues and listening to differing views and possible solutions? Instead, he suggests we should just “go with the solutions and find something in those decisions that you can celebrate.’’
A healthy community strives to include and respect all voices, even the ones asking potentially uncomfortable questions of the decision makers. This is what makes a cohesive community.
As a member of Friends of Ecclestone Beach, the ones responsible for the latest “uproar” about a beloved “rocky postage-stamp sized beach,” the poor neighbourhood sibling to her big sister, “Pebbly,” in Mannion Bay. I disagree that this uproar is unworthy of our collective concern. We contend that public access to Ecclestone Public Beach, so appreciated for over 100 years in Miller’s Landing, whether it be postage-sized or not – that’s not the point – it is worth saving from an excessive 123-foot private dock that does not conform to our own Bowen bylaws. Currently, all public right-of-way access to the beach has been legally blocked by the dock applicant who wants a variance until this issue is resolved. We also have a positive solution; a new staircase on the public right-of-way. I don’t think that’s negative at all! In fact, I think attention to the issue of private encroachment on public waterfront is enormously worthy of our attention and one we can all get behind in a positive manner, because we all love and appreciate Bowen Island.
Heather Hodson
