Welcome to 2023, the year of progress. This week I received updates on a variety of activities buzzing through Elphinstone. Great things are coming down like rain here in Area E.
People have been inquiring about it. You remember it every time you have to take Reed Road. Well, here it is, folks, we recently received confirmation that that epic hole at Payne and Reed is on the list! “Yes, we have that location on BA Blacktop’s list for patching,” says Capilano Highways. “They curtail their plant for maintenance over the holidays but we are top of the list for when they fire back up.” They will continue to patch the gravel until it is paved properly. Just take caution when swerving around it in the meantime, please.
The best way to get the gossip on local road work is at those fun, awkward neighbourhood parties… and who doesn’t like a party? Come meet a bunch of fellow Elphinstoners at the Community Association’s Winter Social Potluck 5 p.m. on Jan. 28 at Frank West Hall beside Cedar Grove Elementary. It is a rare occasion when folks from around Area E get together and you won’t want to miss it. I remember my first Elphinstone social. I snuck some cider in a mug and schmoozed with teachers, writers, politicians, artists, retirees, parents and a plethora of fascinating characters in our community. The food was delicious, with only one cranky old guy complaining there were too many vegetarian options. Now that’s my kind of problem. I have been to a handful of ECA socials since then, and I never really get over how friendly and welcoming everyone is. This Winter Social also replaces the January general meeting, so you will have to wait until the Feb. 15 meeting to hear from the amazing guest speakers the ECA has lined up.
On Jan. 31, the ECA will meet with SCRD Parks to discuss Chaster House. There have been plans to hire a consultant to make recommendations on how we could preserve and protect it from the erosion of Chaster Creek. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure should be very interested in this, as the next big storm that occurs at a high tide is going to start washing Ocean Beach Esplanade away. The “beach” is now at the road.
I know I wrote about this recently, but solutions are beginning to take shape. It has been suggested that the creek be deepened and widened to keep to its original path, then the eroded area could be filled back in and reclaimed. That could save a lot of work for our future selves. What will it look like if we don’t act soon? We will have to rename the area Bonniebrook Peninsula, connect Harry Road to the highway, and look for Chaster House to wash up on Gabriola Island. Okay, alright, that’s dramatic. But it would be great if we fixed these problems to progress in a positive direction.
I would love to hear feedback, take suggestions on topics in our neighbourhood, and hear from all 3,883 residents of Elphinstone. Email me at [email protected].
