Dear editor,
The Times Colonist reported July 17 that the Maple Pool United soccer team made their first trip for a match outside the Comox Valley, by taking part in the second Annual Street Soccer tournament.
These players come from the Maple Pool campsite in Courtenay. Here, the Lin family has provided space for persons who have great difficulty finding housing in the Valley. Rotarians have lent a hand by refurbishing trailers to provide basic but safe housing.
The Lin family has, more importantly generated a sense of belonging among their renters along with a community of spirit. Hence a soccer team formed to play with other persons in similar circumstances. Playing in a sport’s team is a valuable experience for all ages and especially so for people who have been marginalized by the majority of society.
So why is the City of Courtenay pursuing the Lins because of zoning regulations? If successful a severe blow will be dealt against the owners and occupants.
There is a verse — “Here lies the body of Mike O’Day, who died preserving his right of way!”
Perhaps the next election will see a council unseated because it followed zoning regulations at all costs.
Joy Johnston,
Comox