If the jury of social media can be trusted as an authority, the community is pretty evenly divided on the Greater Victoria Harbour AuthorityB次元官网网址檚 plan to put guard rails on the Ogden Point breakwater.

One thing is crystal clear, however: everyone has an opinion.

B次元官网网址淢aybe fill in the water area around the breakwater with soil, and then put cushions out to soften any falls,B次元官网网址� wrote David Coney on the Victoria B次元官网网址B次元官网网址� Facebook page, with just a hint of sarcasm. B次元官网网址淎nd we could have chaperones for everyone. And helmets and lights and pre-walk safety information sessions. With maps in case anyone gets lost, and a full medical team on 24-hour standby, of course.B次元官网网址�

While many fellow commenters bemoaned the encroachment of the nanny state, a slight majority celebrated last weekB次元官网网址檚 GVHA announcement that it intends to install the new safety feature.

B次元官网网址淕reat idea!B次元官网网址� wrote Tiffany Haarsma. B次元官网网址淚 fell off when I was about five. Great opportunity for people with disabilities, elderly who may feel a bit unstable and anyone with a disability (to have) more access. Parents with small children wonB次元官网网址檛 need to worry so much B次元官网网址� they can just enjoy the walk.B次元官网网址�

The diving community also sees the plan as a boon.

B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e considering putting in a staircase at the end,B次元官网网址� said diving instructor Keelan OB次元官网网址機onnell at Ogden Point Dive Centre.

Right now, divers lower themselves onto the granite blocks below the breakwater. The stairs will make access easier for divers and tourists alike, he said. B次元官网网址淚t benefits us.B次元官网网址�

The harbour authority plans to begin work on the project early in the new year. The walkway will be closed to the public for eight to 12 weeks during construction.

The goal is to give greater access to people in wheelchairs and scooters, and parents with small children, as well as provide a safer environment for maintenance workers.

B次元官网网址淩etaining the unique experience of the breakwater was an important consideration in designing this safety upgrade,B次元官网网址� said Curtis Grad, GVHA president and CEO.

B次元官网网址淚n selecting a handrail design, GVHA was very conscious of preserving the spectacular views while providing the necessary protection for the public and our maintenance team.B次元官网网址�

rholmen@vicnews.com

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