At their May 27 meeting, the Sunshine Coast Trails Society (SCTS) made a PowerPoint presentation with symbols representing all trail users, from hikers to horse riders to ATVs. The SCTS seeks a "common voice," yet without consulting all the stakeholders, they had already obtained public funds, selected specific trails and widened them for "multi-use."
Recent slides of large flat trails, whose curves had graded sloping walls for maximum speed, showed that the newly developed trails were suitable only for high-speed dirt/mountain bikes or ATVs.
But what about safety issues for riders of panicked horses or hikers with hearing problems or with small children? What about the visual beauty of the small rambling trails that are so precious to the nature lovers? What about the noise and air pollution that ATV traffic would bring to the trails, and also to the outskirts of our community?
The multi-use advocates tried to maintain that all users should have rights to all trails, but even if the spirit of equality sounds good, it does not address everyone's needs and values.
A "common voice" requires adequate participation. At the end of May's long public forum, only five minutes were unexpectedly devoted to "process." It was agreed that the SCTS would give a walking tour of their next trail project, providing an opportunity for suggestions. In my opinion, this will not sufficiently address the real issues. The entire community should be able to participate in the choices of which trails will be developed and which trails will be left alone. Perhaps the SCRD can get involved in the process?
The SCTS has announced its intentions to transform trails throughout the Coast, and has revealed that its "partner" is B.C. Timber Sales. We need to proactively consider the long-term consequences of their activities.
Becky Brown
Halfmoon Bay
