Although the smallest of the regional district electoral areas on the Sunshine Coast, Elphinstone (Area E) has the largest population at 3,664 (next highest is Roberts Creek at 3,421), according to the latest census. Community life centres around Cedar Grove School and the Frank West Hall right next to it, which is booked with community activities on a daily basis. More about that in further columns!
Elphinstone, nestled between Gibsons and Roberts Creek, bounded by the Salish Sea to the south and Mount Elphinstone to the north, is facing a lot of pressures. Gospel Rock and the traffic that a major development there will bring through our community is an ongoing concern. The Elphinstone Community Association (ECA) has been campaigning to preserve our only remaining pristine natural forest – DL 1313 – also known as Reed Road Forest. It provides a unique glimpse into the past since the whole area was once covered with this type of forest, so it is precious to this semi-rural community. A future column will discuss what the ECA and concerned residents are doing to save it.
Another issue of grave concern by the community is the need for crosswalks at the two bus stops along the highway opposite the Poplar Mobile Home Park and Woodcreek Park, where fatalities have occurred. Home to well over 100 residences each, local people are gathering names on a petition calling on the Ministry of Transportation to reduce the speed limit through this short stretch of highway and install pedestrian-activated crosswalks. Perhaps you had a chance to sign it yourself at the table set up in Sunnycrest Mall this past weekend. If you would like to sign it, contact ECA president Clint Budd at [email protected]
In other news, Cedar Grove Elementary now boasts a new outdoor amphitheatre on the southwest corner of the playground.
The ECA meets the second Wednesday of each month at Frank West Hall at 7 p.m. These issues and more are reported on, and all are welcome to attend. If you have Elphinstone news to report, please contact me at [email protected] before 5 p.m. on Sunday.
