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“I believe the heart is gone,” said Laura Mawhinney, operator of the Project Aftershock Thrift Store. “Whoever is in charge of the money doesn’t have a heart or connection to this little beach town.”

She said fewer flower baskets were put out last year, signs used to be more welcoming, and the beach is “so uninviting it looks dead.”

“It’s the details, the heart, the light and the beauty that make the difference,” she said. “These are very simple, cost-effective things which would make a huge difference.”

One-time visitor Cameron Sinclair believes the area’s problems have to do with the restriction of activities on the beachside promenade.

“There’s no cycling, no rollerblading and no dogs,” he said. “I used to love going down to the beach and exploring the shops and walking along the waterfront. That stopped when no dogs were allowed on the beach path and the cost of parking increased.”

White Rock resident Roy Hardy said the buildings have changed little in 60 years.

“Most are outdated, dark and not very pleasant to be in,” he said. “It is little wonder that these facilities are losing business to newer facilities” which are more accessible to seniors.

Councillors Megan Knight and Bill Lawrence are also slated to serve on the task force, the latter as chair. Recommended members include the economic investment committee, the chamber of commerce and the business improvement association.

“We have too many restaurants,” said Chesney. “The waterfront used to be a full-service venue, with a drug store, bank and clothing stores.”

But he thinks everything will be okay.

“We’ll put our heads together and figure this out. We need to remind people from West Vancouver to Chilliwack that we’re here,” he said.

The recommendation to set up the committee will come before council at Monday’s meeting.

kspencer@postmedia.com

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