Oceanside Coalition for Strong Communities

Mission Statement

Formed in 2002, the Oceanside Coalition for Strong Communities is a group of volunteers from different backgrounds and experience who work together in a non-partisan way to protect and enhance public assets and social programmes in our community, province, and country. The mandate of the Coalition for Strong Communities is to provide opportunities in a non-partisan way for the public to have the information they need to make informed decisions. Membership is open to any individual who shares these goals.

Our Goals

To protect and enhance our education, health and social programs.

To gather together and share these goals with passionate people who represent our diverse community.

To clearly understand the current issues facing us in the present political and economic climate.

To make the voice of the people of Oceanside heard.

To provide information about the various regulatory and legislative and their impact on our community and province.

To encourage town hall meetings and other events to discuss current concerns.

To support and encourage community members in sharing their views.

Recent Activities

In November 2006 the Oceanside Coalition organized and presented a three day conference entitled "Our Water, Our Future" in Qualicum.

The Coalition held several film nights. Documentaries such as "Iraq for Sale", "Dead in the Water" and "Who Killed the Electric Car?" have been shown.

The Coalition mounted a campaign against the implementation of TILMA. Presentations were made to the local Regional District and municipal councils and a demonstration was organized to coincide with the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities general meeting held in Qualicum.

The Coalition participated in the 2007 Water Day march.

The Coalition called together eleven environmental and community groups and successfully stopped the proposed construction of a massive interpretive centre in Rathtrevor Provincial Park. Polls, letter writing, public meetings and an ongoing media campaign were all employed to keep the proposed building out of our park.

The Coalition prepared a newspaper ad highlighting the differences between public and for profit health care.

The coalition together with KAIROS held a one day forum on affordable housing in Oceanside.

Current and Ongoing Activities

The Coalition participates in the weekly Anti-War Demonstation in Parksville.

The Coalition annually co-organizes and presents May Works. Events, running through the month of May, have included mixed media art exhibitions, the play "Ginger", films, musical performances, and an empty bowl soup kitchen.

The Coalition participates annually, with a float and puppet show, in the Parksville Canada Day Parade.

The Coalition annually organizes a Workers Day of Mourning event in Parksville.