Use V2V’s ferry for a commuter service
It is most unfortunate the V2V ferry service to Vancouver failed to remain viable.
If the Victoria mayor, council and the Capital Regional District could come down from their high two-wheelers, there might be a saving option available for V2V. It may not be the business model they envisioned; however, it might be a lifeline.
With the harbour infrastructure already in place and equipment ready to go, for a comparatively modest start-up cost, a high-speed commuter ferry service could be provided from Royal Bay.
This is an opportunity that could be up and running in relatively short order.
To test the viability and market, a temporary passenger wharf to accommodate the V2V could be installed at Royal Bay.
Imagine, with the capability of handling over 200 passengers to downtown, supported by a commuter bus feeder system, the number of vehicles taken out of the Colwood crawl.
The mayor’s objective to make Victoria the Copenhagen of Canada, by just installing gridlocking bike and bus lanes, is not realistic.
Without the support of viable commuter service, designed to take vehicles off the road at the source, this is an impossible dream.
This has been proven time and time again throughout the world.
A high-speed Royal Bay ferry service, combined with an upgraded, efficient E&N commuter rail system from Langford, are the only viable solutions.
Steve Nielsen
Victoria
Here’s a plan for replacing Crystal Pool
Re: “ ‘Just not sure’ about $725K for new Crystal Pool study: Victoria mayor,” Jan. 7.
Mayor Lisa Helps, if you’re “just not so sure” about spending $725,000 for another Crystal Pool feasibility study, let me help:
• Decide to replace or upgrade facility using existing footprint.
• Close present building.
• During demolition/construction, provide every current user a bus pass and access pass to any other facility.
• Use savings to enhance surrounding park.
You’re welcome.
James Bates
Environmental planner (retired)
Victoria
Don’t delay building of new Crystal Pool
A delay in building a replacement for the Crystal Pool affects all of us, but it most significantly hurts those in our community who have disabilities, or who are financially vulnerable.
There are two options on the table: move forward with the current plan, that 80 per cent of Victorians voted in favour of, or return to the beginning and conduct a feasibility study at a cost of $725,000, delaying the project by years.
Crystal Pool is a community gathering place, and a hub of social activity, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our community, including seniors and people with disabilities.
Seven years ago, an assessment of Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre showed that the facility was nearing the end of its useful life. In 2016, city staff undertook an eight-month feasibility study to consider future options.
This process included multiple, inclusive, public consultations and surveys. More than 4,400 people took part.
Members of the North Park community, where the pool is located, were a part of those discussions, as were pool users, community groups and advocates for people with disabilities.
The current design ensures the protection of as many trees as possible, considers the needs of the disabled, addresses the demand for a 50-metre pool and meets the needs of a growing, healthy, community.
The design not only retains multi-use greenspace for park users during construction, but also reflects the need for no net loss of green space.
As a result of the outstanding design presented by staff in February 2017, council voted unanimously to approve the project.
All in all, this project is good for Victoria.
Voltaire tells us the perfect is the enemy of the good. Every project can always be improved on, but at some point we must move forward, and act to allow the good to flourish.
Thousands of staff hours and millions of dollars been invested in designing an outstanding facility.
Now is the time to ensure this project comes to fruition.
Karmen McNamara
Victoria
So much consulting about Crystal Pool
Oh good, the city is going to yet again study and decide on the Crystal Pool. How many consultations do we need to get something in motion? I’m sure the consultants are thrilled with the hundreds of thousands of dollars they have received so far. More is good. We the people of Victoria say spend all you want, we trust in the end it will be worth it.
Just a suggestion, how about building at Centennial Square?
Carol Dunsmuir
Victoria
If the pool was a bike lane
Three years and counting! If the pool was a bike lane it would have been done two years ago!
Donald Weston
Victoria
Get proper training to navigate narrows
Re: “Esquimalt explores way around obstacle to waterways loop for paddlers,” Jan. 9.
We were among the residents living beside the Tillicum Narrows who attended the Monday Esquimalt council meeting. We support the Waterways Loop, but do not regard the creation of a portage route bypassing the narrows as a requirement for that loop.
To say or imply otherwise as stated by its proponents is extremely misleading. Navigating the narrows by kayak or canoe is just as safe as crossing the Tillicum Bridge above the narrows by motor vehicle or bicycle — if you properly trained and prepared.
The Gorge is an arm of the ocean, subject to tides and current which are exaggerated by the pinch at the narrows. Safe navigation requires that boaters consult the tide charts, wear life-jackets and helmets, know how to read the water and conduct their trips accordingly.
Over the years we have watched countless boaters and even paddle boarders safely transit the narrows under these conditions. Each year we have watched the University of Victoria host a regatta whose participants safely navigate the narrows.
We have also watched individuals who have tried to do otherwise and gotten themselves into trouble.
Highlighting the experience of an individual who had a hazardous experience when trying to navigate the narrows is irresponsible. It implies that the person in question should take no responsibility for the apparent lack of education, training and preparation.
It also implies that Esquimalt should behave as a nanny state and accommodate such behaviour. It is the waterway equivalent or designing motor vehicle policies to accommodate those who feel unobliged to take driver training.
Daniel Kyba and Jane Ross
Esquimalt
Ease your way with tide tables
Perhaps all those who use the Gorge Waterway or any other body of water should familiarize themselves with the tide tables. Why spend taxpayers’ money on something that’s not needed? I lived on the Gorge for seven or eight years, owning a small Whitehall row/sail boat.
Part of the enjoyment of cruising in that beautiful waterway was to calculate what times it would be slack water at the bridge. Please look up the tide tables.
Ken Buckley
Esquimalt
Lotteries prey on vulnerable people
I am really upset about all the advertising promoting lotteries I see on TV. It is preying on vulnerable people, who really shouldn’t be putting their money in such a bad place. Governments that run these lotteries should be prohibited from advertising them. They make it look glamorous.
When I was young, lotteries were illegal in Canada. For a good reason.
Now the government uses it as a cash cow.
Wilf Sigurdson
Saanich
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