Correspondence from R. E. Hargrove Re: 2401 Burnside Road W. - handyDART Site

TO: Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca; Premier@gov.bc.ca
CC : Mitzi.Dean.MLA@leg.bc.ca; mayorscreech@viewroyal.ca

Attention: Minister Claire Trevena and Premier John Horgan

Copies to: Ms. Mitzi Dean; Mr. John Screech and Mr. George Ghanem

Hon. Claire Trevena and Premier John Horgan,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the proposed Handydart facility on Watkiss Way. This appears to be a poorly conceived project, with little or no research on the impact of increased traffic at this location. In particular, I would like to draw your attention to the following:

1. Craigflower Creek is a delicate ecosystem and Coho salmon regularly spawn in Craigflower Creek. Despite your assurances, this depot will have a considerable environmental impact on the surrounding area, and put the spawning salmon at risk.
2. Due to considerable building of condominiums and townhouses in this neighbourhood, the corner of Burnside and Watkiss has experienced an exponential increase in traffic over the last few years, to the extent that a traffic light needed to be installed. During busy times of the day there are already considerable traffic lineups. Adding the traffic from busses, transit drivers, and facility employees will create increased traffic delays, noise, and air pollution from idling vehicles.
3. This area is in very close proximity to an elementary school. Increased traffic poses an increased danger to children waiting to cross the road.
4. Similarly, this area is an integral portion of the Galloping Goose walkway. It services many bicycle commuters and walkers. The increased exhaust fumes and noise will ruin what is currently a lovely route through a nicely treed area. The additional traffic also increases the danger to cyclists. I have already witnessed a few near misses as vehicles turning at the corner don't realize that cyclists are crossing.
5. The Victoria Bowmen currently occupy the site. They provide an important service to the youth of the entire Capital Region and would be displaced by this depot.

All of these demonstrate that this is not an appropriate site for a facility of this type. There must be other, more suitable locations, which will not create such an impact on both local and non-local residents, as well as destruction of natural habitat.

Sincerely,

R. E. Hargrove
2463 Highland Road
Victoria, B. C. V9B 6H9