After 11 years, all they need is 30 minutes - 30 minutes away from helping the Sunshine Coast become the caviar capital of Canada.
Last Thursday, Target Marine Hatcheries held a public meeting trying to drum up as much support as possible for its official community plan and rezoning application that would allow Target to process sturgeon for caviar on their property.
The opposition against this rezoning is well documented over the past few years, but the opposition is finally dying down. There are still those not in favour of the application and they voiced their displeasure at the meeting and in our letters page this week, but the vast majority who turned up for the meeting or spoke are whole-heartedly in favour of Target's application.
And we say it's about time.
Target has had to jump through so many hoops over the years, some of them justifiable, to get to this stage. Target has recognized residents' concerns and has done everything possible to rectify those concerns, but still there are a few who just won't jump on board. And that's OK, because with an endeavour such as this, there is bound to be a few who won't be in favour, but should that stop this application from being approved? Absolutely not.
It's time for Sechelt council to listen to the vast majority of its residents who want to see Target succeed and move this process along.
It's an enticing prospect that could provide a much-needed boost to the Sunshine Coast economy. Over the years, Target has won many awards for its environmental track record, for its business sense and innovation. They are a valuable company in our community that provides much-needed employment - and can you imagine the possibilities of the Coast becoming the caviar capital of Canada? Think of the marketing possibilities. Think of the opportunities.
One just has to see the success of Holy Crap cereal. Brian and Corin Mullins went on Dragons' Den and have since seen their business explode. Employment is up and the Sunshine Coast is on the map because of that business. They have received offers to move the business off-Coast, but have refused. They love the Coast and want to give back to the community that has done so much for them.
It's the same with Target. This is a unique business opportunity that deserves to be embraced. We as a community have to start changing our thinking and welcome these types of economic opportunities. The Sunshine Coast can be a place to recreate, explore, raise a family, retire, do business and prosper, but only if we seize the opportunities when they present themselves. It's time to seize this opportunity.
