Dozens of volunteers took to the streets of Sechelt last weekend to start beautification on the stretch of highway between Extra Foods and Wharf Road.
Landscaper Richard Barry coordinated the effort that saw more than 20 volunteers clear rubble, dead trees and grass in front of the employment centre and replace them with cobble, driftwood and roped walkways.
"We basically continued the beautification that started in front of the Daily Roast," said Lynn Smith, office manager at the Sunshine Coast Employment Centre.
She says the efforts of Barry and local contractors and volunteers have made the centre "a more appealing place to come to."
She notes the employment centre is challenging other businesses to continue beautifying this stretch of roadway into Sechelt.
"If everyone does a little bit it will go a long way to improving the entrance to Sechelt," said Smith.
Barry agrees, which is why, for the past four years, he has been urging business owners in the Sechelt Downtown Business Association (SDBA) to work on beautifying their own storefront areas.
"I've been on the SDBA for four years and I've been trying to get people to put in the money and the effort to make downtown Sechelt more appealing. Now it's my last term on the SDBA and I want to get some things done before I leave," he said.
He started by creating a garden in front of Fine Threads. Then the Daily Roast called the local landscaper to help finish their beautification project.
Next Barry helped finish the landscaping in front of the women's centre, and soon the employment centre contacted him for help.
Volunteers who helped create the seaside theme outside the employment centre worked from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. Barry notes most of the workers were "ladies."
"By ladies, I mean they were over 50. I hope I don't get in trouble for saying that, but they were amazing," said Barry.
He said that although companies and contractors often volunteer their time and donate partial supplies, there needs to be some money put into these projects.
"Business owners have to hire a contractor and then get the commitment of volunteers who will actually show up and do the work," said Barry, noting companies like Construction Aggregates have been approached for many large donations lately, and are less willing to "give things away for free."
To contact Barry about beautification in your area, call 604-741-8881.
