Re: Garden to Grow in Saanich's Gorge Park (News, Nov. 22)
This article, announcing approval by Saanich council of allotment gardens in Gorge Park, misrepresents the issues raised by residents who opposed the proposal.
Concern over “losing the field for walking their dogs” was cited as a primary reason for their objection. In fact, this was not mentioned during any of the presentations at council's committee of the whole meeting, where the decision was made.
A great many people do use this area of the park to walk their dogs, and they will certainly be negatively impacted by loss of access.
However, the focus of concerns expressed was the loss of open green space for all residents, for all manner of structured and unstructured activities.
Population density close to the park is increasing, thus amplifying the need to retain and preserve these areas for current and future users.
The lack of a management plan for a park with a remarkable history, the availability of alternate sites, and the lack of consultation both on the choice of site and the future of the park itself, were the other main areas of concern.
Donna Neve
Saanich