How do you feel about having beach access at Ostler Park?
With sections of rip rap along the shore of Ostler Park damaged and collapsing because of constant wave action and recent major storms, the City is asking whether the community prefers replacing the riprap or establishing a beach stretching nearly 200 metres along part of the park.
Costs for either option would be about the same, and could be fully funded through the Community Works Fund (Federal Gas Tax), rather than through property taxation.
The City is seeking public input through an open house and a survey.
Open house: Thursday, January 22, 2015
Where: Sportsplex room 1
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. (6:30 to 7 p.m. display, 7 to 8 p.m. presentation and questions)
The survey will be available online and on paper from Jan. 22 through Jan. 31. Go to www.campbellriver.ca (under What’s New) to complete the survey online. Paper copies will be available at City Hall, the Community Centre and the Sportsplex.
“While either option offers long-term protection from erosion, a natural beach slope would do a better job of managing wave energy and minimize the amount of damage and debris clean-up from storms,” says Ross Milnthorp, the City’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture.
Other benefits from establishing a pocket beach include:
- More usable park space
- Safe and easy access (as well as improved visibility) at the water’s edge – with potential to use beach mats to provide access for people with mobility challenges
- Improved foreshore and marine habitat
Foreshore rehabilitation work is planned for August through October.
Beach restoration projects in Campbell River use gravel and logs cleared from boat launches. This was recommended in the City’s Marine Foreshore Habitat Assessment and Restoration Plan and complies with the Federal Fisheries Act and the City’s Memorandum of Understanding with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans concerning foreshore management.
Foreshore restoration projects in Campbell River that replaced riprap with a beach:
- Between the 50th Parallel Marker and Discovery Harbour
- Ellis Park (see the video on the City’s YouTube channel to watch storm waves here)
- Rotary Park
- Dick Murphy Park (recognized with a gold level rating from the BC Green Shores Technical Working Group)
– Contributed by Campbell River City Hall.
