Correspondence: Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club regarding Portage Trail

Regarding: Portage Trail at Shoreline Community School

The Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club (VCKC) is pleased to see the completion of the park pathways from Portage Inlet near Shoreline Community School to the Esquimalt Harbour. We heartily supported this project. Thank you for working with School District No. 61 and Capital Regional District to complete this project. Your initiative that creates a multi-use all season trail link between the E&N Rail Trail and Shoreline Drive via Shoreline Community School waterfront property is commendable. The signage is excellent as are the paths.

As you know, 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. Improved access on the new Portage Trail will be safer for paddlers who are portaging across the land. VCKC believes that an official portage route will encourage more use of the Esquimalt Harbour area by VCKC members and open options for tourism circuit paddles.

We look forward to the formal, sanctioned access/egress to/from the Gorge. Done to your standards, it would be a dream-come-true. VCKC’s priorities for these developments are:

• Clearly, our first priority is the access between 2775 and 2771 Shoreline Drive. It is much less tide dependent, much easier access, and a more direct route between the Gorge and harbour.
• Secondly, is the proposed access is at the end of Shoreline Drive. While seasonal and tide dependent, this access still has merit. Paddlers who are training for competitions across North America would use it.

We understand that the Town of View Royal’s plans for access may consider installation of docks at each site. This is a very good idea, albeit we understand it is much more expensive. Due to the muddy/slimy/slippery bottom of the Gorge, and to the tidal variances in water levels, VCKC strongly recommends a dock. At VCKC, if a person gets muddy or pebbles in their shoes, there is running water available to clean up. Unfortunately, trying to clean up in the shallow murky water is near impossible. The slippery nature of the bottom in the intertidal zone is quite hazardous, particularly for persons unfamiliar with the access point. We further understand that View Royal is looking for volunteer and financial support for the access points. This interest has not yet been brought to the VCKC executive or membership. We look forward to continuing to work in support of this route.

The new trail makes it easier for kayakers, canoeists and stand-up boarders to cross between Portage inlet and Esquimalt Harbour. Attractions and historic sites like Craigflower Manor, Cole Island, Fort Rodd Hill and Millstream Creek may realize further economic benefits. The Four & Six Mile pubs would be ideal rest stops.

In time we hope to see a circle route from the VCKC clubhouse, to Portage Inlet, overland to Esquimalt and the Victoria Harbour then up the Gorge (when the Tillicum current is favourable or until a short portage is developed). Completing the boat ramp access and short trails to connect is the next step towards the paddle/portage circle. Imagine the tourist opportunities when it is fully complete!

Thanking you for your attention,

Yours truly,

Jean Chandler President, VCKC 250-727-6923

cc:

• 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
• Principal of Shoreline Community School
• Sherri Bell, Superintendent of Schools

CC Distribution List Contact Information

Mayor and Council of the Town of View Royal 8:30am - 4:30pm 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC, V9B 1A6 Phone: 250-479-6800 Fax: 250-727-9551

District of Saanich 770 Vernon Ave Victoria, BC, Canada V8X 2W7 Tel: 250.475.1775 (8:30am - 4:30pm)

Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt 1229 Esquimalt Rd, Esquimalt BC V9A 3P1, Canada Phone: 250-414-7100

City of Colwood 3300 Wishart Road Victoria, BC V9C 1R1, Canada Call: 250 478 5999 Fax: 250 478 7516

Capital Regional District 625 Fisgard Street Victoria, British Columbia Canada V8W 1R7 Tel. 250.360.3000

Principal Nadine Naughton Shoreline Community Middle School 2750 Shoreline Dr. Victoria BC, V9B 1M6 Phone: 250-386-8367 Fax: 250-361-2630 Email: shoreline@sd61.bc.ca

Sherri Bell, Superintendent of Schools Greater Victoria School District No.61 556 Boleskine Road Victoria BC Canada V8Z 1E8