Opinion appears to be divided regarding the regional district’s recommended alignment of the Royston waterfront trail, otherwise known as the Breakwater Esplanade.
At last week’s Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) meeting, those favouring the proposal suggest the road right of way belongs to the public, and that the trail would not adversely impact property values.
Those opposing feel the cost is not worth the value of a trail leading nowhere. Others suggests the trail will disrupt wildlife. One person feels police records of incidents in the parking lot should be considered.
The Royston waterfront and E&N railway trails have been identified as priorities in the official community plans of the regional district and City of Courtenay respectively.
According to CVRD staff, the number of calls RCMP have received regarding incidents at the parking lot/Thompson Road area have gone down.
There are no plans to pave the walkway.
Liability, which rests with the Ministry of Transportation, will be transferred to the CVRD once a permit is issued to construct, operate and maintain the trail.
The committee referred the matter to the May 13 EASC meeting.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
