Access to public places and democracy in the making.

Have you seen a recent article by Alex McKeen in the Toronto Star about a tightly-knit community in BC and their concerns over residents' safety and comfort? 

Some residents of the village of Lions Bay want other British Columbians to stay away from "their neighbourhood” and “their homes" and enjoy the beauty of nature somewhere else – say, in "provincial parks”. 

McKeen reported that in his last video update, Mayor Ron McLaughlin promised to keep the interests of local residents and their safety ABOVE ‘casual visitors’ desires’ to hike or access public beaches from the village. 

The Council of the village of Lions Bay decided closing parking lots and, consequently, limiting recreational opportunities to anyone but local residents. The Star reported that while some parking lots near trails have recently been opened, access to three public beaches is still limited to local residents.

I remember visiting my hometown over a decade ago. Odessa has always been a popular tourist destination in Ukraine and for many Soviet-block countries; however, over the last 20 years, multiple private resorts and massive private developments have permanently changed the pristine landscape of Odessa’s shoreline. 

What I found particularly heartbreaking is the number of private beachfront properties, turned into private beaches, that have significantly limited public access to the Black Sea. I remember thinking: “I am glad I live in Canada. This would have never happened in Canada. Access to public places is sacred there”.

The tale of NIMBYs from affluent, and often gated communities and the segregation, exclusion they cause is old news. Yet, Alex McKeen did an excellent job at decoding the lingo that Cayla Troyer, Jon Wescott (residents of the village), and the mayor of the village have used in their interviews. When I was reading this article I right away thought about entitlement and ignorance. What else come to mind when you hear these quotes? 

• “What we won’t do is put casual visitors’ desires ahead of those of our own residents’, or our residents’ safety.” (In other words, there are two classes of citizens in Lions Bay – those whose rights need to be protected and those who need to be closely watched; what about protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples of this land? Don’t they have a say who should have access to beautiful trails and beaches in Lions Bay?)
• “…if I want to go somewhere, I’ll choose a provincial park” (If that is the case, do folks who live closer to these parks have the right to decide who can come and who can’t? how would residents of Lions Bay feel if other British Columbians limited their access to provincial parks because the road has become too busy?)
•  “It has become invasive since the 2010 Olympics” (Who is invading? Those who do not have access to green space in their backyard?)
•  “Therefore, it feels a bit like we’re subsidizing recreation for others.” (Who is subsidizing access of villagers to public transit? To highway to get to work? To schools for their children? To other amenities and opportunities? Who is subsidizing their way of living?)

Another word that jumps at me from these proclamations is a privilege. Lions Bay is a unique community in the province. Statistics Canada paints a picture of an affluent and predominantly white community. Consider the following:

• 9 out of 10 are white in Lions Bay
• 11% households have a total income of $150,000+ vs. 3% for other British Columbians
• The average 2017 residential property assessment was $1,672,518, among the highest in BC
• 8% are renters in comparison with 32% in BC
• 43% have a bachelor degree or above in comparison with 24% in BC

Imagine the audacity of residents who feel compelled to openly share their concerns about the nuisance that other British Columbians have caused them while parking, walking in their neighbourhood and hiking near their homes? This is what democracy stands for, right? Residents have the right to influence decisions that affect their lives.   

Is being been able to buy a house in this neighbourhod – one of the most popular outdoor recreational spots in the province – gives a right to decide who can access public spaces in your neighbourhood? 

Do other British Columbians who participate in this economy and are taxpayers have the right to influence the decision making processes that affect their access to wilderness and public roads?

If you feel like participating in the democracy of the Village of Lions Bay you can do it by sending an email to its Mayor and Council. If you would like your request to be on the agenda of the next Council meeting, you should send it to three or more members of Lions Bay’s Council (Correspondence Policy No. 1405).

If you have access to the internet or phone, you could also participate in their meeting that is taking place tomorrow, July 28th at 7 p.m.  I have signed up already.