Editor:
I, like so many others, was in total disbelief to see all the barricades put up to have full closure to White Rock beach effective immediately.
People were furious to say the least, especially given this is such a small community and the beach is probably one of the safest places to go, given its wide boardwalk and miles of beach space.
Not only that, but we are trying to encourage exercise not discourage it, and many people, including some elderly who cannot travel far, go the beach for their daily exercise. In tightening the noose we are now confining people into even smaller spaces in our small community.
I have also been to the beach many times since this epidemic began and can honestly say, except for a few inconsiderate people, I was very proud of our community and their efforts on social distancing while at the beach.
However, since the barricades went up, a lot of people are now having to walk on the sidewalks, which are very limited, and hence are now manoeuvring in and out of traffic to achieve social distancing. As one lady commented, ‘It sure defeats the purpose on social distancing in so many ways, including the positive energy you are trying to achieve while doing your daily exercise.’
While I understand the need to close the restaurants, the parking lots, and even the pier, I think closing the entire beach is incomprehensible, and although city council has done a great job so far, I think this decision has done a great disservice to our community.
Hopefully, they will now reconsider so we can all go back to enjoying our own much-needed zen through these tragic times.
Cheryl Berti, White Rock
Editor’s note: On Tuesday, White Rock Mayor Darryl Walker explained the closure of the beach during the Easter long weekend was the result of a miscommunication between the city and security workers.