Park planning...

Dear Editor:

The proposal by Metro Parks to spend $40 million dollars of our property tax money to buy a portion of the remaining unsold lots at Cape Roger Curtis has started a discussion cycle of potential gains, as well as negative impacts across the island, and for good reason.

The national park proposal 15 years ago brought similar scenarios for concern; dogs off-leash, overrun ferries, bicycles traversing

Dear Editor,

Likely no one on Bowen has a final position re: camping in a new Metro Park at the Cape In that climate, information, suggestions, questions, etc , has more currency than conclusions

Here’s a suggestion Check a current Metro Park - with camping - to ascertain current practices, etc narrow hazardous roads, trampling of our natural habitats, and countless strangers staring into our yards

Betty Morton’s letter (Feb 2 edition) keyed in on the risk of campers running out of bounds and (perhaps unknowingly) inflicting permanent damage to rare ecosystems at the Cape To suggest that there would be less impact on the surrounding natural landscapes at Crippen Regional Park is not really helpful; Dorman Point is accessible but not overused and supports an

For example, Metro protocols at current campsites require camp space be booked, has a fee structure, and precise rules re: alcohol, smoking, etc.

This is offered as a bit of data for deciding, not a decision.

Respectfully,

- Brian Hodgins

endangered Coastal Douglas-fir ecotype with Arbutus and moss covered bluffs

When the volunteer Weed Warrior group were removing Scotch Broom by hand pulling we made sure to replace the delicate, shallow dry soil and moss layer that could be destroyed in no time with more foot traffic, not to mention out of control wildfire

The public engagement process for the proposed new Metro park has only just begun. I think we Islanders need to focus on protection and preservation of all natural landscapes with no camping as the preferred option.

Yours truly,

- Bill Granger

Sadly, our close friend John Overbye passed away on Saturday, February 4th, 2023 following a lengthy fight with asbestosis. He will be fondly remembered for the many good times he brought to those around him. His positivity was truly infectious. Even when things were rough, he always smiled. He was an old school craftsman when it came to carpentry with skill sets few others possess. He could be very serious about those matters close to his heart, such as carpentry, boating, motorcycling and food, but his priority was always the enjoyment and comfort of those he was sharing with, often putting his own needs last Even in his final days, despite great pain and discomfort, his priority was the welfare of those close to him, regretting his inability to carry out one more party for his upcoming birthday on February 12th In John’s honour and to counter his regret, a birthday party will proceed for him on Saturday, February 11th at the Legion from 1 - 5. It is a pot luck affair that everyone is welcome to drop in for a bit or stay longer to celebrate and share the good times we have all had with him