Email from Nicole Neate Re: Nov 5 Council Meeting - Gibraltar Bay Gazebo letter

Nov 5 Council Meeting - Gibraltar Bay Gazebo letter

From: Nicole Neate Sent: November 1, 2024 12:45 PM To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca Subject: Nov 5 Council Meeting - Gibraltar Bay Gazebo letter

To Mayor Tobias and Council,

I understand that on November 5, 2024 the Gibraltar Bay Gazebo repair/replacement will be discussed and that the Gibraltar Bay Strata Council will be seeking support for sharing project costs.

I would like to convey just how important this viewpoint is to me as a community member. It is a View Royal landmark and fixture, and also one of the best vantage points for viewing Cole Island and marine wildlife. My family, including children and older parents, as well as extended family visiting from out of town, all enjoy the viewpoint throughout the year - it is a destination on many walks.

As you know, the Gazebo has unfortunately been vandalized making it unsafe for use, and it is also aging. I understand that the Gibraltar Bay Strata Council has engaged the Town of View Royal regarding the repair or replacement of the Gazebo, and that its been determined that a repair is not feasible due to engineering/safety considerations.

I would like to express my support for the Strata Council’s proposed replacement of the current structure with a concrete viewing platform with railings and seating. I understand that a replacement with a similar wooden structure was also considered by the Strata Council, but I agree that a concrete viewing platform is a more durable solution that will require less maintenance than a wood structure (making it more cost-effective) and offers the same opportunity to take a seat, gather and enjoy the view.

If the Town of View Royal is unable to cost-share this project, I fear that a very likely outcome is that Gibraltar Bay Strata members will be unwilling to solely bare the costs and that we will be left with a closed off path to nowhere and the one upper bench that exists today. This would be inadequate as the viewpoint frequently attracts visitors in groups larger than 2 or 3, and our community’s ability to enjoy this space will be diminished from what it is today. There is not room for additional seating without extending the concrete pathway where it currently ends (e.g. at the entrance to the gazebo) or extending the existing platform up above where the bench is located.

I have encountered several other community members who have expressed disappointment at seeing the Gazebo out of commission and who also wish to see it replaced with something comparable so that community members can continue to appreciate this very special spot. The viewpoint not only benefits the residents of Gibraltar Bay, but the broader community, and I believe investing a portion of the town’s budget to preserve the benefits of the current viewpoint is worthwhile.

Thank you very much for allowing me to share my views and for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Nicole Neate Resident of Gibraltar Bay and Town of View Royal