Editor:
I am proud to say that I grew up in Tsawwassen, yet like many others I moved to Vancouver after graduating from high school.
At the time I thought Tsawwassen could be quite a sleepy town for a young adult. It's funny how perspective can change with time.
Don't get me wrong, I still love Tsawwassen, and always have. I love the beaches, taking my dog for walks on the dike and I especially appreciate that, unlike Vancouver, people actually say hello to you when you walk past them.
Beyond anything else, the thing I love the most about Tsawwassen is the sense of community. That is why when my wife and I decided to settle down, we moved back here. It's comforting to see so many familiar businesses thriving. There’s still the White Spot on the corner of 56th Street and 12th Avenue and the barber shop is still there where I got my first haircut. Thanks, Ken.
When I heard that Four Winds was proposing a brewery and restaurant in the Southlands I was ecstatic. Finally, a place that was new and exciting that could remind me of my times in the big city, while still emphasizing the importance of community.
Their beer has won numerous awards, and if you’ve ever tried their food, you’ll understand why there’s usually a line-up outside their Tilbury location every afternoon and into the evening.
Not only have they excelled at their trade, but they’ve dedicated countless hours and effort to give back to our community. Every time I open up the Optimist it seems like I read a new story about Four Winds donating thousands of dollars to Deltassist or the Reach Child and Youth Development Society.
Why wouldn't Tsawwassen residents want a Four Winds brewery built in our great city? I understand that change is difficult, but if there was any business that we can rely on to create positive change, it would be Four Winds. To me, you can never have enough locally-owned businesses that provide excellent food and drink, while consistently giving back to their community.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll continue to get my hair cut at my trusted local barbershop, but now with the hope of enjoying a top-quality Four Winds experience afterwards in my own beautiful backyard of Tsawwassen.
Now, who's going to help me talk my Ken out of retirement?
Dan Patching
