Powell River Writers Conference

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN WRITE

Tell everyone who is not from the Sunshine Coast WHY they should visit Howe Sound to Lund
(including Powell River).

Congratulations Angie Davey for the winning entry!

Come on home to the Sunshine Coast

There’s a prevalent Sunshine Coast phenomenon: people often come for a visit and then leave only long enough to pack up their things and move here permanently.

Perhaps it’s the endless array of outdoor activities, like golf, kayaking, fishing and rock climbing. Perhaps it’s the sheltered inlets and luminous sunsets. Perhaps it’s the eclectic assortment of restaurants serving local ingredients. Or, perhaps it’s the easy pace, fresh air and lack of honking horns. These are all good reasons but ultimately, people come from all over the world and end up staying because of the people of the Sunshine Coast.

The Sunshine Coast, namely Gibsons, Sechelt, Powell River and all the smaller communities dispersed here and there, is a mecca for those who burst with artistic expression. Wordsmiths, potters, woodworkers and painters court their muses along the wooded paths and rocky shores of this region of British Columbia’s coastline.

Crime is low and neighbourhoods are safe. Community spirit is strong and there’s love for the planet. Sustainability is a high priority as is accessibility and respect for First Nations culture. People smile and say hello as you pass on the street and there’s a real sense of embracing a simpler lifestyle where there’s pride in growing and raising your own food.

Festivals and special events are plentiful. There are too many to list but Powell River’s Blackberry Festival in August draws thousands of admirers of the somewhat invasive, yet versatile berry. The weeklong Sechelt Arts Festival provides a spotlight for dancers, photographers, sculptors, musicians and more. And for those who are tactile in nature, there’s the Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival.

They say home is where the heart is, and more and more people are discovering that their hearts belong to the Sunshine Coast. Come see for yourself.

Angie Davey