Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Parks changes not a reflection on board

Re: “Parks board should not have been removed,” comment, July 5. In response to Coun.

Re: “Parks board should not have been removed,” comment, July 5.

In response to Coun. Rob Martin’s commentary regarding West Shore Parks and Recreation, I write to assure Martin and residents that the owners are working to ensure a strong and vibrant West Shore Parks and Recreation for many years to come.

With the owners’ agreements expiring next summer, it became clear that decisive action had to be taken to prevent potentially more troubling issues in the future.

This is why all five municipal councils (the owners) endorsed the recent changes to the board’s composition. With the interim board in place, the owners plan to work on a shared vision for West Shore and how we can attain that vision.

We thought it necessary to hit the reset button while we examine the operations and the facilities. While Martin infers that efficiencies and “making money” are the motivation, I can assure you this is not the case. Our goal is to deliver excellent public-recreation services while respecting taxpayer dollars.

The owners are collectively aware that the Juan de Fuca complex is a gem and its facilities valued by our residents. We will involve the public as we work through this process, and a new permanent board will be appointed to replace the interim board once decisions are made.

The five owners were unanimous in their praise of the former WSPR board and of the WSPR staff. These decisions do not reflect on them at all, but rather are the result of a need to look forward and ensure the long-term success of West Shore Parks and Recreation.

David Screech

Mayor of View Royal