Re: Plans don’t match wishes at Gyro Park (Letters, March 27)
I wish to reassure the public about Saanich parks’ plans for Gyro Park.
On March 16, Saanich parks hosted a full-day facilitated workshop, attended by representatives of the Cadboro Bay Residents Association board and parks committee, the local Business Improvement Association, Gyro Club of Victoria, Sea Scouts and sailing associations, specifically to propose changes to the master plan (last updated in 2011) to address local concerns, retain the features that are important to most stakeholders, and incorporate others that they would like to see.
Details of this workshop and of the consultation and design process to date can be found by clicking the “Gyro Park” link on cadborobay.net.
To quote two significant paragraphs from the workshop summary:
“Some refinements (of the 2011 Master Plan) were proposed, including the retention of the tennis courts and the removal of the large concrete outfall. Many elements ... were supported, including the creation of a significant wetland area to improve aquatic wildlife habitat and to address hydrology challenges. Overall, a high priority was given to maximizing natural features of the site, and minimizing hard surfaces.
“Gyro Park is recognized as a challenging site to work with, given the low-lying site on top of an unstable bed of peat and fill. It is hoped that careful planning combined with some creative engineering solutions can improve and enrich the elements we dearly love in this park.”
More details will be revealed in upcoming open houses as part of the ongoing public consultation process.
Jonathan Stoppi
Cadboro Bay Residents Association