As the calendar flips over to another year, many of us make New Year's resolutions.
Some involve a commitment an individual makes to a certain project or a habit, often a lifestyle change, such as to lose weight or to stop smoking. The concept of resolutions is to reflect upon self-improvement annually. And thinking about resolutions, we have several suggestions that everyone in this community can strive to keep.
We can resolve to have better interaction with our local governments and strive to keep them on their toes, providing us with the kind of leadership that moves our community forward in a progressive manner. This one may be a bit difficult to keep as municipal elections roll around in November, but current political leaders who have the notion of running for nomination again in November will have to work hard to show residents that they have what it takes to be leaders on the Coast.
We can resolve to work together more to achieve success and common goals. We all saw what a community can do when it comes together with the successful Back the CAT campaign last year. There are several outstanding projects that continue to go unfulfilled in this community: the development of Dakota Ridge and proper access for all to enjoy; funding for Gibsons Harbour improvements, that will hopefully be achieved with grants from the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET); the Abbeyfield House project in Pender Harbour and the expansion of the Pender health centre; proposed new soccer fields behind Chatelech Secondary School; the Vision Plan implemented by the District of Sechelt; the continued protection of the Chapman Creek watershed and other watersheds on the Coast; and a recovery house for addicts on the Coast. All of these projects, in order for them to be successful, need an influx of community and government support. By resolving to work together collectively, many, if not all of them, will be achieved in 2008.
Finally, we can resolve to all be a little more respectful of differences in opinion and open to new ideas. We all live in this community for various reasons. Some like the quiet solitude of a small community and the ability to be away from the big city, while others want to see a more progressive community with more amenities.
There is room for both if proper planning is done and everyone has a positive attitude knowing that we're all trying to make the Sunshine Coast the best it can possibly be.
