News
By far and away this year's most read story was the coverage of Sarama's video on Gospel Rock that was denied being shown as his statement during the public hearings. This story and video has received an amazing 15,000 hits since we posted it on October 10. GR video The movement to save Gospel Rock inspired many coasters who had fond memories and emotional ties to this piece of land that overlooks the water. A cause that has been pursued since the early '90's finally achieved part of it's goals. The Gibson Council decided on October 16 to amend the GR Neighborhood Plan to disallow any waterfront development. GRNP
Stories that followed the logging on our coast including the actions of ELF (Elphinstone Logging Focus) and the SCCF (Sunshine Coast Community Forest) and the watersheds along the coast affected by logging were also high on the interest list for our readers. The year came to a dramatic close with the protest and arrests during December concerning East Wilson Creek cutblock EW002. Logging injunction
Taxpayers continue to be concerned about our waste management here on the Sunshine Coast, its cost, implimentation and effects. Recycling and reuse programs are of constant interest to our readers. They are not only critical, but are quick to commend those that are doing it right and come up with innovative ideas. Challenge to SCRD
Salmon farms, viruses, the Cohen Commission and Alexandra Morton created a continuous readership throughout the year. Not a surprise here on the coast where we have fish farms and businesses connected to the salmon industry. Salmon virus
Another high interest story this year was anything to do with electric vehicles. "The Revenge of the Electric Car" film featured at the Green Film Series brought out the huge interest and promoters of the electric car. Later the installation of charging stations on the coast continued peaking people's interest and comments. Electric Cars
Not to be forgotten is the oppostion to the tar sands pipelines and the super tankers. The coverage of the protest at Davis Bay and the attendance of the No Pipelines Event at the Green Film Series were well followed. Davis Bay protest
Other news and feature items that captured reader's interest were:
- Stephen Leahy's environmental reports from around the world Environmental Connections
- The new senior's driver's license law Seniors Driver's License
- ransition Town stories TT
- he emergence and protection of the western painted turtle babies Turtle Babies
- The introduction of the Powell River Dollar PR Dollar