Editor:
I feel compelled to respond to the letter from the Coast Community Builders' Association (Coast Reporter, Aug. 6) in which they endorse the proposed bylaw changes affecting industrial zoning in East Porpoise Bay.
While I accept their contention that a balance of industrial/commercial land is required to support a vibrant and sustainable community, I feel that they have misunderstood the issue.
When an official community plan (OCP) is developed, these concerns are addressed in such a way as to provide just such a balance, in a manner that reflects the most effective and sustainable land use decisions.
I realize that no plan is cast in stone, but subsequent changes that go against the wishes of the residents of the community are not justifiable, especially when they contradict the spirit of the original plan.
Anyone who drives along East Porpoise Bay Road will notice there is already extensive industrial land on the upland side. The OCP restricts industrial development on the waterfront because of its significant and fragile ecological values. These are key factors that support a vibrant and sustainable community, a goal I believe we all share.
Michael Siddall
Sechelt
