Like so many people in our community, I enjoy the Galloping Goose Trail, and value the opportunity that being on the Goose provides for exercise, relaxation, and an appreciation of nature in relative peace and quiet.
A valuable part of that experience is the absence of commercial pressures and advertising along the Goose’s network of paths. It is nice, even for a short interval, to have a respite from relentless ads and marketing.
But twice in the past two weeks I’ve encountered pop-up displays along the Goose being used to advertise, promote and sell, sell, sell — once for a religious group and the second time for a local gym touting for members.
Are these businesses and groups there legally? Do they pay a fee or have a permit to set up? And more fundamentally, is this what we want as a community, to make our sanctuary places just another forum for business?
This kind of commercialism and proselytizing along the Goose corridor is a bad trail mix.
Clare Sharpe
Victoria
