Dear editor,
I am writing to express a different opinion on the proposed changes to the Tribune Bay Park on Hornby Island than you recently printed.
In 2021 BC Parks acquired a privately owned 150-site campground and an adjoining private property that parallels Shields Road and includes the last available foreshore on Tribune Bay. The purpose of the acquisitions was to improve the camping facilities while protecting the environment of Tribune Bay Park.
Through the process of developing the new campsite plan, BC Parks consulted with the K’ómoks First Nation, had independent environmental specialists prepare reports on ecology, hydrology, wetlands and trees and designed the layout of the campsites accordingly. BC Parks consulted with the people of Hornby Island over a three-year period and made a number of changes to their plans after local input. Consequently, there will be no new roads through the park and a new 50-vehicle parking lot will be developed on the existing park road that provides access to the beach. This will steer cars away from Shields Road that goes by the Co-op Store and can be dangerously busy in the summer.
The present plans are designed to improve the camping experience for people using the park are as follows:
• Maintaining a similar number of campsites as before but spreading them out over a larger area and providing improved toilet and washing facilities.
• Creating three types of campsites, 40 walk-in sites where people walk or bicycle their camping equipment to their site; 70 park-beside sites; and 10 “bunkies” that are very simple sleeping structures.
• All sites are situated to provide easy access for people of all mobilities to Tribune Beach, the nearby Co-op store and the “ringside” shops for groceries, coffee, ice cream and meals.
In summary, despite some vocal opposition to this development, I believe most people on Hornby Island support the new Tribune Park campsite layout and commend BC Parks on what they are proposing for this very special property purchased for the benefit of the people of British Columbia.
Grant Scott,
Hornby Island resident and Islands Trust trustee
