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Proposed Farquharson farm greenway trail a brilliant plan

Dear editor,

This is an open letter to the City of Courtenay Mayor and Council.

I am a resident of East Courtenay and am writing in regards to parks and greenways.

Courtenay residents are very active and on any given day you will see many power walkers, joggers, runners and cyclists. We are fortunate to have parks linked by greenway and street links on both sides of the estuary. I believe the network of green spaces that Courtenay is developing is its greatest asset, and makes it the best choice for living in the Valley. As recently as March of this year while I was on the City’s website I noticed the proposed Greenway Trail around and across the old Farquharson farm. Still an active farm (Comox Bay), this central location is the jewel in the crown of Courtenay’s green space.

In conversation with other residents in the area, the consensus is that what is missing is a pedestrian link to connect East and West Courtenay. People need a way to walk, jog, or cycle to town, avoiding the vehicle traffic at the crossroads. I was excited to see the proposed greenway trail going all the way around the fields with a direct path across near the mid-point. I understand from conversations with city hall staff that the City has a right-of-way across the fields for a sewer line, so that would likely be the direct path, and the rest of the proposed greenway (around the perimeter of the farm) would fall I believe within the Ducks Unlimited land.

In light of the above, the proposed Greenway Trail above is a fantastic idea. It would redirect pedestrian and cycle traffic away from the busy intersections at Ryan Road and Hwy. 19A and accommodate the growing demand for local active residents who want keep fit while developing their community. It addresses a strong desire for a pedestrian/cyclist link between East Courtenay and downtown, including the Riverway and Airpark greenway trails. It would provide an incredible setting for both sides of Courtenay to come together and participate in enjoying the active lifestyle the City is known for.

I encourage you to bring this project to life for the benefit of all Courtenay residents.

Ernie Daley

Courtenay