Email from Whitney Garside regarding Bylaw No. 1095
Opposition to the camping bylaw, highlighting concerns for wildlife and crime safety.
Sent: December 5, 2022 2:32 PM To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca; Info Address info@viewroyal.ca Subject: From Whitney Garside - Concerned Citizen - Council Meeting December 6, 2022 Importance: High
Re: Parks and Public Place Bylaw No. 986, 2018, Amendment Bylaw No. 1095, 2022
Dear Mayor and Council,
I am writing to express my extreme disapproval with the proposal to allow homeless camping in some of our beautiful View Royal Parks. As a resident on St. Giles Street, the park which would most affect me is the Portage Inlet Linear Park (PILP). I walk through this park many times a week and also utilize the park in warmer weather as an opportunity to picnic and visit with friends. If homeless were allowed to live in this park, it is my fear that the natural beauty will be destroyed and there could be negative impact to the vibrant wildlife and fragile riparian areas. As a single woman living on the street I also am deeply concerned that allowing these “campers” would bring unsavory people to the area that could affect crime and safety on my street.
There is simply not space for this and this is a horribly thought out solution for the homeless population. This is an area with many elderly people and the PILP is a park enjoyed by all of the neighbouring tax paying citizens.
Please reconsider this amendment to the bylaw!
Sincerely,
Whitney Garside 138 St. Giles Street