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LETTERS: Minimal change needed in park

I grew up on Vancouver Island and have been visiting Island View Beach all of my life.

I grew up on Vancouver Island and have been visiting Island View Beach all of my life. I have brought daycamps there, had family gatherings and regularly walk my dogs there. I do not see that Island View Beach is in need of a huge overhaul.

I have reviewed the propositions put out by the Capital Regional District (CRD) as much as I could and the recommendations put out by the friends of Island View Beach. The proposed improvements by the Friends makes the most sense.

A few key issues could be easily resolved by improving washroom facilities, garbage bins and providing dog poop bags along the trail. Dogs should be under control or on leash but 100 per cent leash on the beach is unfair. We are already restricted by time of year.

I understand there are people who dislike dogs, are afraid of dogs (I was one) and even dogs that dislike other dogs. This is why dogs need to be properly under control, for some that may be leashing but not for all.

I will agree, however, that the Saanich Peninsula is in need of some enforced leash-only trails. Not all dogs can be off leash or appreciate having off leash dogs approach them.

The park area should not be restricted to trail only.

Conservation areas should be labeled but not restrict access to parking. Bylaw officers and maintenance staff need to visit the park more often to maintain sanitary conditions.

Other than mosquito control and environmental protection, only minimal change is required, if any, to maintain a happy and healthy park land for all.

Devon Jones, Central Saanich