One million visitors to the Grove need to park somewhere

January 23, 2004 - Parksville Qualicum News

I am writing in response to W. G. Wilson's Jan. 16, letter, (use common sense and move parking lot).
It has long been recognized that Cathedral Grove needs a new parking area in order to protect the safety of park visitors, as well as drivers on Highway 4.

The park sees almost one million visitors annually, many of whom are forced to park along the shoulder of Highway 4 and then cross the busy road. This plan to enhance public safety is fully supported by the RCMP.

Public safety is our first responsibility to park visitors and we have carefully developed a solution to this very dangerous situation. It also protects environmental values and expands the size of the park.
A 21-hectare parcel of land was purchased several years ago with the specific intention of building a parking area.

The new parking area will use just two hectares of this additional land. When complete, this land will be added to Cathedral Grove, expanding the park from 136 hectares to 157 hectares.

Working from the results of 16 studies, and public input, it has been determined that of all the possible locations for a new parking area, the planned location best addresses safety issues with the least impact on the environment.

Most importantly, the studies have determined that of all the possible locations for a new parking area, the planned locations best addresses safety issues with the least impact on the environment.

Gillian Trumper
MLA Alberni-Qualicum

 

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