A Colwood resident has concerns about how proposed changes to the Esquimalt Lagoon area in the City of ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 Waterfront Stewardship Plan will affect his multitude of feathered friends. Gary Woodburn has lived next to the lagoon since 1972 and spends a lot of time there photographing wildlife and studying their habits.
B次元官网网址淚 have concerns about adding a washroom, because itB次元官网网址檚 near an active area of the bird sanctuary,B次元官网网址� said the retired Dunsmuir Middle School teacher of 35 years. B次元官网网址淏irds congregate there all year long, especially during migratory season B次元官网网址� Personally, I think itB次元官网网址檚 an eyesore as well.B次元官网网址�
Any addition of a bridge, viewing platform or walkway must take into consideration the flight paths and space needed for some of the birds to land and take off, he said, notably kingfishers, hawks, eagles and turkey vultures that are in there all year.
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B次元官网网址淥sprey fish in that area and IB次元官网网址檓 concerned it will drive them away,B次元官网网址� noted Woodburn, a longtime contributor of wildlife and sports photos to Black Press and other media sources. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 not against changes, but they need to be studied thoroughly to ensure they donB次元官网网址檛 interfere with the birds that make the lagoon their home.B次元官网网址�
He also said adding an area to launch kayaks or boats makes no sense, and cautioned about the importance of ensuring dogs in the area are leashed at all times.
A statement from the City of Colwood said although some early concepts for the stewardship plan have been presented to the public for input, a draft plan is not expected to be presented to council until late 2021.
B次元官网网址淭he impetus for the project is the need to protect the sensitive ecological and archaeological sites, as well as the safety of all users by guiding people thoughtfully through the space on a designated multi-use pathway from the lagoon bridge to Royal Beach,B次元官网网址� the statement said.
Public engagement opportunities so far have included presentations to local First Nations, summer pop-up engagement booths at the waterfront and local parks, and updates at public meetings of the Colwood waterfront coastal process committee.
Online and in-person engagement with the project team and Colwood staff has also taken place, along with meetings with Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations, Canadian Wildlife Service, Parks Canada, Royal Roads University and local harbour societies.
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Sounding boards at local shops have been utilized to raise awareness and allow for on-the-spot feedback, including at Red Barn Market, Royal Bay Bakery, Juan de Fuca Library, West Shore Parks and Recreation and city hall.
According to regulations, dogs must be leashed in and around Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary and must be kept under effective control in other areas of the beach. There is an off-leash area between the lagoon washrooms on Ocean Boulevard and Royal Beach.
For more information or to submit feedback, visit or email info@Colwood.ca.
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