To the Editor,
So far the projected cost of the Canal Beach project is approaching three quarters of a million dollars.
And under the direction of the “beach boys”—Mayor John Douglas and parks and recreation director Scott Kenny—that total may well exceed one million dollars or more.
All that for a development at land’s end which isn’t going to attract many swimmers, but will be used by some wind surfers and kayakers.
You know that when the old dock is resurfaced and when various buildings are constructed for storage, food vendors, etc., costs are going to escalate rapidly at a site that’s too remote for most people to access.
Meanwhile, the Esso property adjacent to Harbour Quay will soon be available for purchase at an unknown cost.
Part of that property is a small beach which is ideal for toddlers and dogs to splash about and, possibly, for adults to swim as well.
Acquisition of that property should be the first priority of local city council, and not spending very large sums at Canal Beach.
In my opinion, spending should be limited to $100,000 at Canal Beach, and council should acquire the Esso property next year.
It’s ideally situated for public use by residents and tourists alike.
Richard Berg,
Port Alberni