Editor:
In the July 1 edition of the Optimist Mr. Tom Morrison wrote regarding Boundary Bay Park and the Metro Vancouver plans for it in the future.
Mr. Morrison raises a great question around Metro Vancouver's plans for the park and what its value is. How do we as a society or as a civilization value natural spaces? In my mind not very well - everything is assigned a value and seen as a resource to be exploited, generating an ROI that never considers the bottom line of the real cost of environmental degradation.
In my mind I want my tax dollars, in part, to be used to aid in the preservation of something, some small slice of this damaged and decaying planet (which obviously will still be here long after we are gone). I value being able to look at open space and being able to imagine it is not criss-crossed with gravelled walking paths, bicycle trails and dog excrement, a place of refuge for native plants, some surviving birds, insects and wildlife. I am not sure what people want or expect of the park - certainly thousands see it as a great beach in the summer. Perhaps people would feel they were getting tax dollar value if it was one third dog park, one third parking and maybe the rest split between a water slide park (enclosed for all weather use) and barbecue pits.
Unlikely, but it would be great to really hear the community voices!
Mr. Morrison also suggests a contact at Metro Van Parks. That is a great idea.
An alternative would be to become involved in the Boundary Bay Park Association, who, in partnership with Metro Van Parks, promotes community awareness, appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of Boundary Bay Regional Park while preserving and enhancing its natural and historical features. We meet regularly with Park representatives and are always looking for volunteers (and particularly Directors).
Our next zoom meeting is Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. and you can contact [email protected] if you would like to join us.
Frank Rogers/President BBPA
