Re: Era of boating on Esquimalt Lagoon coming to a close, News, May 20, 2011.
It is unfortunate that Royal Roads University, which apparently prides itself as an environmentally progressive institution, should see fit to close down the rowing facility on Esquimalt Lagoon.
This facility has benefited so many West Shore students over the years, some of whom have excelled at the national championships level for rowing.
We are told there are significant constraints on development on a natural heritage property, and yet this did not prevent the university from erecting a hideous fence around the university gardens.
It must be said that this fence has been partly removed, thank goodness, but the reason for the fence, to charge an entrance fee to visit the gardens, is still in place.
The statement that the university is reclaiming the boathouse for undetermined institutional uses, while at the same time is retaining a commitment to environmental education for children, has a hollow ring and is not very convincing.
Neale Backhouse
Langford