Stretching 55 kilometres from Sooke to Victoria, the Galloping Goose Trail is celebrated for its natural beauty. But now, a visionary proposal is gaining traction B次元官网网址 one that could transform this renowned transportation corridor into a vibrant community gallery, celebrating the regionB次元官网网址檚 rich cultural and environmental tapestry.
Oliver Hockenhull, the driving force behind the idea, paints a vivid picture: B次元官网网址淭he Galloping Goose is an eco-wonder, passing through forests with views of the ocean and lakes.B次元官网网址
Hockenhull notes a void in the information along the trail, with only brief signs about local animals, electoral districts, or private property.
Hockenhull envisions the Galloping Goose Trail as a canvas for a community-driven gallery space where cultural expression and environmental art thrive. He emphasizes that the trail traverses diverse microclimates and ecosystems, offering a unique platform for creativity.
Art in public spaces fosters a stronger community-environment connection, a trend in Europe and the United States. Hockenhull believes that the Galloping Goose Trail is ripe for a similar transformation, but not at the expense of its natural beauty. The goal is to introduce information in a non-intrusive manner.
One approach involves enhancing the information available at local parking lots along the trailB次元官网网址檚 entry points. This would cater to hikers and bikers and provide content suitable for sharing on social media platforms. Hockenhull sees this as an opportunity to showcase the trailB次元官网网址檚 rich history, including First NationsB次元官网网址 heritage and geological marvels.
However, there are challenges to overcome.
The Galloping Goose Trail spans seven Greater Victoria municipalities and is maintained by the Capital Regional District (CRD). The CRD parks board must decide whether to embrace this innovative concept. Hockenhull acknowledges several communities along the trail are cultural and historical stakeholders, including the TB次元官网网址橲ou-ke and Songhees Nations.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said she appreciates the idea and its passion and acknowledges discussing it at the CRDB次元官网网址檚 parks and First Nations relation committees.
B次元官网网址淲hat I would endorse is the idea that the nations whose land is affected should initiate the conversation first,B次元官网网址 Tait said.
The CRD is engaged in collaborations with 20 nations within the Capital Region to gain a deeper understanding of the priorities and concerns of the nations before proceeding with any actions.
HockenhullB次元官网网址檚 vision extends to inviting First Nations members to share their stories and artifacts or designate sacred areas along the trail. He said all artwork and signage would be unobtrusive, respecting the environment as the foremost masterpiece.
The journey begins with a commitment to remediate the land by eliminating invasive species. From there, the project will unfold, guided by the vibrant spirit of the community, the creativity of local artists, and a shared concern for the environment.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e got a great community here, weB次元官网网址檝e got great artists and we have a great concern of our environment, letB次元官网网址檚 bring it all together,B次元官网网址 Hockenhull said.
For more on the Galloping Goose Project, visit .
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