Dear Editor:
I read the notice regarding the closure of the Horseshoe Bay Pier to vehicles with some surprise. This decision, which takes effect Oct. 1, appears to have been made with the convenience of the parks staff in mind, not the public.
West Vancouver's website suggests the change is meant to ensure safety and to "maintain the pier in good working order." Governments don't usually close roads because cars cause potholes or keep people off buses because they wear out the seats. The Horseshoe Bay Pier is just that, a working pier and part of the road and water-access system.
In this case, there is no other alternative; contrary to what the website implies, the elderly and mobility challenged are not able to transport their personal items the entire length of the pier, nor do most people have the budget to charter a water taxi each time they have more items than they can carry in a single trip. To propose such solutions shows a lack of consideration and a lack of awareness of who is using the pier and why. Perhaps it is time to have a public consultation.
Removing a piece of public infrastructure that is vital to the community and to several Horseshoe Bay-based businesses without even trying to solve the perceived problems is, well, wrong.
Horseshoe Bay is a working port and always will be. If West Vancouver wants a pedestrian promenade and a place to have farmers markets and tourist attractions, it should create something new. Tourism and industry can coexist - like the concrete trucks on Granville Island. It just has to be managed.
I know West Vancouver can do better, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with the municipality to find a solution that works for all stakeholders.
Colin Cooper Gambier Island
