Dear Editor:
The loss of the West Vancouver boat ramp is truly sad and is another case of short-sighted individuals making knee-jerk decisions without proper consultation. This decision by West Vancouver council is more than sad, it is a safety concern for those who use these waters. By closing this water access, the West Vancouver council is now putting people in danger by forcing them to transit under the Lions Gate Bridge, which can be extremely dangerous when the tide is flooding or ebbing.
There can be very rough water in this narrow passage, which is unsafe for the many small boats that historically have fished along the West Van shoreline. With no public access between Horseshoe Bay and Cates Park (over 13-kilometres either way) boaters will now have no choice but to transit this dangerous section of water.
Further, the very existence of this boat ramp and the fact that regular small boat traffic is in that area makes it safer for all the other people and non-powered vessels that use that area. If assistance or a rescue is needed, where seconds count, there should be an available launch area. I attended that council meeting and watched as most council members acknowledged the need but did little to address the issue.
Clearly this has not been thought out. I agree with the thoughts of your other reader Rob Stokes who suggested the old boat ramp at the bottom of Bridge Road be revamped. This was mentioned at the council meeting as being a possibility.
If the West Van boat ramp is closed, and without any other alternative, this needs to become a reality. That area is not currently frequented by very many people, and could easily accommodate parking for the many boaters who come from all over Metro Vancouver to enjoy these waters. Based on the revenue statistics mentioned about the Cates Park boat launch, a revenue neutral, pay-to-use system would provide the funding to make and maintain these changes.
With redevelopment already planned for the Capilano waste water facility this would be an ideal time to repurpose and help beautify that area and keep this area usable for all.
Sten Hansen
North Vancouver
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
