Correspondence: Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club Re: Portage Trail at Shoreline Community School

Regarding: Portage Trail at Shoreline Community School

The Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club (VCKC) recently became aware of a plan to develop park pathways that will improve portage routes between Portage Inlet near Shoreline Community School and the Esquimalt Harbour. We heartily support this plan. Improved portage routes like the proposed Portage Trail will be safer for paddlers.

A formalized portage route will also encourage more use of the Esquimalt Harbour area by VCKC members. A circle route from the VCKC clubhouse, to Portage Inlet, to the Victoria Harbour and up the Gorge (when the Tillicum current is favourable) will be a much more attractive alternative than it is now. Also, due the commercial activities of the Victoria Harbour, an easier portage to the Esquimalt Harbour is very attractive alternative.

The Portage from Esquimalt Harbour to Portage Inlet has historic ties. We understand First Nations used this ‘short-cut’ to access the calm waters of the inlet.

The initiative is to create a multi-use all season trail link between the E&N Rail Trail and Shoreline Drive via Shoreline Community School waterfront property. Today there are convenient and safe water access points in both Portage Park and on Shoreline Drive. While phase 1 of the E&N Rail Trail has made the trek easier between these points, it is still a challenge. The proposed trail connector would address those issues.

The CRD’s work on the new pump station creates the necessary clearing and foundation for the trail. At the same time the $3 million Phase 2 of the E&N Rail Trail is about to begin construction. By 2015 we could have an additional 275 metre trail for boaters, residents, students, even tourists. It is flat, safe, open and in a beautiful waterfront location.

As you know, the Inner and Esquimalt Harbours and the Gorge waterways have been popular with paddlers for decades. Just as the new Craigflower Bridge made it easier for kayakers, canoeists and stand-up boarders to travel under the bridge, so will the portage trail. Our paddling membership (of which Shoreline Community School is one of our associate group members), other paddling clubs, and boat rental customers would welcome it!

There will likely be economic benefits for attractions and historic sites like Craigflower Manor, Cole Island, Fort Rodd Hill, Millstream Creek and the Four & Six Mile pubs would be more accessible through calm waters compared to the open ocean at Esquimalt. We believe this would be another reason for tourists to stay longer in our city.

We urge all parties: CRD, SD61 and municipalities to work cooperatively to resolve design details and fiscal challenges so a unique window of opportunity will not be lost, and this small but significant regional amenity will be a reality in 2015.

Thanking you for your attention,

Yours truly,

Jean Chandler President, VCKC 250-727-6923

Attached: map of trail area

cc:

• Principal Nadine Naughton of Shoreline Community School
• Mayor and Council of the District of Saanich
• Mayor and Council of the Town of View Royal
• Mayor and Council of the Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt
• Mayor and Council of the City of Victoria
• Mayor and Council of the City of Colwood
• Board of Directors of the Capital Regional District of Greater Victoria