Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

May 22: No justification for illegal land use

Re: “DND, cyclists battle over rifle range,” May 18.

Re: “DND, cyclists battle over rifle range,” May 18.

One can’t help but sympathize with the reported civilian “hikers, bikers, dog walkers and runners” who, after years of use that are clearly verified by the ramps, bridges and recreational infrastructure they’ve built on Department of National Defence property near Nanaimo, are now asked to abandon the area permanently.

Sympathy, however, does not justify continued illegal use of DND land. Both civilian outdoor enthusiasts and the military appear guilty in this matter. Civilians for years of known trespass, and the military for allowing such extended — and dangerous — trespass.

Let’s hope the antagonists in this matter both recognize their past errors and commit to neither attempt nor allow trespass.

Ron Johnson

Saanich