To the editor,
Re: City identifies ‘quick wins’ to fill walkway’s gaps, Nov. 14.
While I would love to see the ongoing development of the seawall walkway, the article raised some questions and concerns. I walk the seawall just about daily, and have done so for the past 20 years. I love it. Unfortunately, for the past four or five years, I’ve seen the existing walkway deteriorate gradually, to a point of being substantially inferior to what it was in the past. It’s sad It’s embarrassing when I see tourists walking along the path. So unkempt, so untidy.
Since the blackberry bushes were removed some years back, the entire embankment is a mess, overtaken by all types of weeds. New weeds along the ocean side of the walkway have come out of nowhere, and they’re not taken care of. Let’s face it, it’s disgraceful.
I have assumed that the city or the port authority could no longer afford to give it the attention it needs and deserves. If that is correct, then why are we considering extending the walkway? If we can’t take care of what we already have, isn’t the idea just a dream?
Do taxpayers realize the impact this will have on their taxes? Do they really want to increase their tax base to pay for something we can’t afford to maintain? I’m seriously concerned.
L.R. Daniels, Nanaimo