Over 250 people jammed into the auditorium at Edward Milne Community School to learn more – and to have a say – about the proposed development beside the Juan de Fuca Trail.

Over 40 people spoke during the duration of the town hall meeting, with over 35 people expressing concerns about the project.

We heard from a broad range of citizens who voiced many serious concerns. People spoke about their experience on the trail, and their love of its wild beauty. People spoke about the potential impact on tourism, on wildlife, on our way of life. People spoke out about the type of community we want to build for future for generations and the message was clear – this is not the time or the place for a mega-resort development like Ender Ilkay is proposing.

CRD staff and consultants hired by Marine Trail Holdings were on hand to answer questions about the 257 cabin resort development. While they attempted to make a strong case about the benefits of the project, the audience would not be swayed.

While I am not sure if Mr. Elkay and his team were swayed by the passionate display of opposition, but I hope that Mr Hicks and the elected official at the CRD are paying close attention to the level of concerns being expressed.

This issue affects the entire region – if not all of Vancouver Island. I have been amazing by the level of community resistance to this project, and the grassroots organizing that is happening. It is a great reminder of why I love living in Victoria. Part of it is access to great wilderness experiences like the Juan de Fuca trail, but of equal importance is being part of an amazing community who values our environment and plans for the future.

Over the next couple months we will continue to build momentum in the campaign to save the Juan de Fuca trail. We will continue to have conversations about the type of community we want to build for the future. We will continue to stand against urban sprawl, and stand up for sustainable communities, and wildlife corridors.

And I hope you continue to stand with us. There will be lots of opportunities, so please stay posted!

Thanks

Tria Donaldson | Pacific Coast Campaigner
Wilderness Committee