I am hard-pressed to find much merit in the arguments of those who advocate more parking space and “improvements” to Glendenning Road for people who use the trails into Mt. Douglas Park which start at the end of the road. Joanne Taylor feels these things are her right. Well, no actually. Ms. Taylor, you have a right to voice your concerns and opinions on the issue, but widening the road and increasing parking spaces so you and others don’t have to make even minor changes to your routine, is not a right.
I am fortunate to live within walking distance of Mt. Doug Park via Glendenning Road and I’ve always enjoyed walking on the path beside the Road. Semi-rural lanes are rare in Saanich, and Glendenning is a particularly beautiful example of one. Widening the road would destroy its rural nature, increase traffic and noise for local residents, and eliminate several beautiful mature trees. The cost of such changes, versus the benefits to a relatively small number of people, must also be considered
Those who drive to the Glendenning park entrance have many options. They can use the Glendenning entrance at non-peak times, or they can use any of the other four or five park entrances where parking is available. Those who insist on using the Glendenning entrance to the park can also park on Parkside Place or Winchester Road, a mere hundred metres along a paved path from the Glendenning entrance. And because they use their cars, these people can also access many other beautiful parks in Saanich, including Beaver and Elk lakes, both of which have ample parking. Actually, given the reality of climate change, shouldn’t we also be encouraging people to walk or cycle to parks nearby whenever possible, instead of creating more parking spaces for cars?
Murray Goode
Saanich