Highway closure sparks acts of kindness
The one-two punch of windstorm and deadly landslide over the weekend has left Lions Bay villagers reeling with shock and sadness.
Many readers have contacted The Watershed to express these emotions, but also to talk about the support they are getting and offering to each other.
During the highway shut-down, many stranded motorists made their way to Lions Bay Store. Staff members Evan Browne, Lucas Jennings, Sahej Khatapal and Manish Shelma did their best to ensure everyone got what they needed and had a comfortable place to wait until they decided their next move.
Long-time resident Leslie Nolin ended up bringing a pair of stranded motorists home for the night. The couple from Squamish expressed their relief and gratitude online for a place to stay when the landslide meant they couldn't get home.
"We got to spend super nice and amazing evening with these wonderful people in Lions Bay and go back home in the morning. I wish this world had more people like them," said Squamish resident Sabina Teplikova.
Said Nolin: "Community is so important. I want to encourage people to go in when it’s difficult, do what’s right, and help where they can – and many already are doing that."
Up and down the Sea to Sky, many people reported acts of kindness for stranded travellers during the shut-down.
In Squamish, the Sikh Temple Gudwara offered a hot meal, and the Fairmont Chateau in Whistler opened an emergency reception centre in the Upper Village.
Social media also played a part in connecting people. Brian Loverin created the "Sea to Sky Road Conditions" Facebook group ten years ago. He says he put the group together "with the intention of connection, clear, communication, and community", and that his group has really taken this to heart.
Loverin said that in a case of emergency like this, helping hands come from all directions. "From housing to water, baby food to emergency services, (including helicopter landings and road splitting so emergency vehicles can get through) our group is commited to creating the space for all travellers."
During the shutdown, the group gained more than 1,500 new members, much more of a spike than the usual 20 to 100 people over the same time span. Loverin said conversations over the weekend reflected concern and generosity for those affected, and expressed thanks to the moderators for keeping on top of all the posts.
Nolin said she appreciates the positivity of the Sea to Sky group.
"So much good is happening here in the Village; so many individuals doing little things to help. It ends up making a big impact."
The Watershed is, above all, a community news source,
and our thoughts go out to the family, friends and neighbours of the missing and impacted residents.
Please leave any comments you'd like to share below, or email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca
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