Those fortunate enough to own waterfront, represented by the Peninsula Riparian Property Association, would like North Saanich council to amend its no-dock position. As a boater and resident of North Saanich I resent the aesthetics of docks projecting beyond the natural shape of the intertidal zone.

While there may be no perceived negative impact on intertidal life or more transient marine life, North Saanich should be proud that former councils had the foresight to curtail the use of private docks. Incentives should be in place for marine property owners to remove unneeded structures. I for one, will not vote for any councillor who supports the initiative of the Riparian Property Association.

The seawall issue, perceived as a global warming issue I am certain, does present issues. Especially for property owners who have erosion problems. These should be dealt with on a site specific basis by municipal engineers and professional engineering/riparian experts.There is more than one Saanich Peninsula seawall where the structure has allowed the waterfront owner to satisfy a “lifestyle” want: the structure creates additional living space, decking, lawns, etc., rather than addressing an erosion issue.

Perhaps the real issue is the lack of sufficient moorage for recreational boat owners in the Sidney, North Saanich region. Is the existence of the Riparian Property Association an expression for the group’s want of marina space?

Would it not be in North Saanich’s and Sidney’s interest to work cooperatively with the private sector and senior governments to provide more moorage to meet the region’s needs? There is a compelling need for moorage for vessels over 30 feet in length. Owners of smaller boats face exclusion when marina owners reconfigure to accommodate the wealthier owners, as evidenced in Ladysmith recently.

Is it not better to concentrate small vessels in a marina, accessible to first responders? Three local fire departments and nearby marine workers responded superbly to the October 6 fire at Van Isle Marina.

Environmental issues allowing the creation of new marinas have been successfully addressed in the Puget Sound area, our local marine and main street businesses benefit from these visiting vessels.

North Saanich and Sidney councils should be working to meet this need, not the need of the Riparian Property Association. Individual docks are not the answer.

Gerry Warren,

North Saanich