Dear editor,

I am moved now to write to you because I want to preserve the beauty of our Courtenay river and estuary admist our rapidly growing population and accelerating development.

I recently went back to Edmonton (where I grew up) and spent some time in the River Valley. Edmonton has a lovely 103 km long park system along both sides of the North Saskatchewan River. This includes over 20 major parks, ravines, and hiking/biking trails. In many parts it is over a kilometre wide, from the river. I was struck with the thought of how nice it would be if there could be public parks and trails on both sides of the Puntledge River from Nymph Falls to the ocean, including the estuary. This would not only be a lovely walking/biking/running path, but would also help preserve the waterways for the wildlife and the natural beauty that brings us all joy. I know there are a lot of homes alongside the river and estuary, and I am suggesting that this can be a long-term plan, but we should start now. I urge the town and council to commit to preserving our River Valley and consider what a benefit it would be to our town to have a beautiful River Valley Parkway. We love the Comox Valley for the beauty and proximity to nature, for the salmon, swimming, walking, tubing and so much more. We have to plan a little for the future and make sure the things we cherish are preserved.

Solene Chang,

Courtenay