City supports parking
Willingdon South will be opened to parking in future so those attending public events at the beach or Marine Avenue can leave their vehicles in close proximity.
Mayor Dave Formosa said about 2,000 people attended the Celebration of the Senses event held at the beach in June. Speaking at the Thursday, August 6 Powell River City Council meeting Formosa said several citizens approached him that evening and said it would be a good idea to open the gravel portion of Willingdon South for parking.
“For big events like the Blackberry Festival, folks end up parking as high as the Crossroads Village,” he said. It is not that it is bad to walk, he added, but if pedestrians are carrying young children and they have to go back up that hill at night, it can make for difficulties and safety issues.
Formosa originally brought the matter to the Tuesday, August 4 committee of the whole meeting, where it was suggested the matter be taken to city staff. Formosa said that he presented the information to Ray Boogaards, the city’s director of parks, recreation and culture.
“I’m pleased to announce that he says staff thinks it’s an excellent idea and it will be implemented immediately,” the mayor said. It is hoped the parking lot will be available for the Blackberry street party later this month.
“This comes from the public that speaks to us,” Formosa said. “We try to get things done for everybody.”
Setting it straight
In last week’s paper on page 15, Georgia Marvin was misidentified. She is standing on the right. The Peak regrets the error.
