To the editor,
Re: Nanaimo, Lantzville speak up on access to range, May 30.
I am extremely disappointed in our mayor and council, for even considering discussing this particular topic. My disappointment is further extended to the city council of Lantzville and our newly appointed member of Parliament.
The first time this issue caught my attention was a video clip on a local news station where an apparent 20-something man proclaimed his God-given right to use his trail bike anywhere he chooses.The clip further showed established bike trails passing right through a chain link fence (broken), and beside a very noticeable Department of National Defence ‘no trespassing’ sign. What ever happened to respecting the rights of property? In my opinion these individuals should be held accountable within our courts.
These events have raised the whole land-use issue of the property. Yes it does present a nice biking/hiking area. But I would point out that the City of Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo already offers so many recreational/quasi-wilderness trails for both hikers and trail riders. Having lived in many parts of the world and Canada, our residents are blessed to have all these existing facilities.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Military right to keep weapons range clear
In as far as the use of the range, the Canadian Forces desperately need the ability to train on any weapons required to fulfill their mandate, which at the foremost is the security and protection of this great country we call home. There are extremely limited facilities for our military to train on Vancouver Island, moving a range further west on the Island would be extremely expensive and have a huge impact on wildlife, not to mention availability of medical services should a serious mishap occur. I think a salute and a thank you for your service to the Canadian Armed Forces is more in line than the actions being considered by you all.
John C. Van Lieshout, Nanaimo
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Range should move, not the trail users
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The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin. If you have a different view, we encourage you to write to us or contribute to the discussion below.