Not a good idea. By the looks of it, there will be less elbow room. I walk it a fair amount and find it very safe as is. With the addition of motorized scooters, on top of the dogs and runners all in a narrow space, this looks like an accident waiting to happen. I hope the harbour authority has good liability insurance, they will need it shortly.
David Churchill, Victoria
I am at a loss to understand why anyone would oppose this plan. Have any of the naysayers attempted to get a building permit for a backyard deck, say a couple of feet above ground, without a handrail? It is mandatory for any building construction, so why is it even questionable for the breakwater, where it should have been installed long ago?
Let just one child be seriously injured and then see what righteous indignation would follow from the public. Safety of man-made public places is a different issue from a nature hiking trail, where we are expected to fend for ourselves. And wouldn’t it be nice to be able to pause along a breakwater walk, elbow up on the railing and watch the sunset? Three cheers for the harbour authority for the planned installation.
George Zador, Victoria
Yes to rails at the Ogden Point breakwater. I will go out there more. I support the decision, as it is practical and enables more people to walk out and see the sea life.
Kim Van Weelden, Victoria
Breakwater defined: “A barrier built out into the sea to protect the coast or harbour from the force of waves.” Leave it alone please. It was not built to protect the people. We are grateful to be able to walk on it knowing so. That is what makes it so great.
Linda Monette, Victoria
It is reassuring to see the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s concern for public safety being demonstrated by their intention to put guard rails along the Ogden Point breakwater. Can the GVHA say when they plan on installing electrical shore power connections for cruise ships, so that James Bay residents’ respiratory health will no longer be threatened by particulate matter, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and ammonia emissions?
Trevor Morley, Victoria
This just seems like a “make work/spend money” project. Victoria already has so many accessible walks for wheelchairs and scooters that I simply don’t understand the issue here. At 70 years of age, I’m still able to walk along the breakwater, but once I’m not able, I’ll just delete the breakwater from my walk options. Why add a railing and spoil the excitement for those wanting the adrenalin of wind and waves? Why spend money on this when there are far more pressing areas of need?
Barbara McDonell, Victoria
I am so very pleased that at last the Ogden Point walkway is getting a safety upgrade. I have lived in Victoria since 1991 and have not been able to enjoy this scenic walkway due to vertigo. I look forward to enjoying a leisurely walk on the breakwater free of anxiety.
Valerie Peters, Victoria
