I would like to present my response to the article, Marine users group sees need for a new boat launch, PNR May 13.
I have been a resident of North Saanich for the last six years. I enjoy fishing and boating in our beautiful ocean waters surrounding our peninsula. I belong to the Sidney Anglers association, and have been part of our annual derby, which brings anglers from all over our area as well from the mainland. I also enjoy boating with our family including grandchildren.
I have held a boat ramp pass for the last four years. The facilities at Tulista Park are super, except for the parking of vehicles and boat trailers. I have volunteered with Sidney Anglers which provide a helpful service during the summer, to aid users of the boat ramp.
There have be numerous issues with users, in the area of resident frustrations in having trucks and trailers parked in front of their property. I applaud the Town of Sidney in providing additional parking by the Food Bank area, but unfortunately, it is simply not enough.
My main area of concern is safety. The prevailing winds, from the east, can create difficulties in boats returning to the ramp, especially in time of heavy use during the summer months. There are line-ups of boaters, docking their boats in heavy waters.
We desperately need another facility that can accommodate boaters in the calmer waters of the inlet.
I recognize the concerns of the float plane owners but I strongly feel that boaters are always accommodating and there would not be problems in that area. I am a pensioner and I do not believe that a dozen or so float planes should take priority to the public access of the existing boat ramp at Pat Bay. I hope that calmer, public responsible officials will take a responsible vision in this major concern, before avoidable incidents occur.
Rick Maciak, North Saanich
