QBRA's Letter on the Roundabout by Lance Nater

Section Head September 2, 2018
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources Operations
Rural Development
142 – 2080 Labiuex Road
Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J9 sent via electronic mail


Dear Sir or Madam:

This letter is being sent on behalf of the Qualicum Beach Residents’ Association Board of Directors regarding the Disposition of Crown Land File #1414799, the application from the Town of Qualicum Beach.

By unanimous vote, the Board requested this letter to express our strong opposition to the disposition of the Crown Land in question to facilitate proposed works by the Town at the intersection of Memorial Avenue and Highway 19A. It is our understanding the Town request is to enable four components:

1. To repair and/or replace a sewer
   
2. To revamp and improve an estuary to enhance salmon migration
   
3. To establish a buffer (breakwater) to protect beach erosion and storm protection
   
4. To build a roundabout at this 3 way intersection
   

We are in support of the merits of the first three objectives. However, it is our view that the deposition of the subject Crown Land is NOT required to meet those objectives. We oppose this Town application because it is our opinion that this application for your approval is motivated by the Town’s desire to build a roundabout at this intersection. Because this intersection is surrounded by a gas station, resort motel, and ocean, the only way the Town can construct this roundabout is to utilize the Crown Land. We fully appreciate the Town is not intending to build out the roundabout on to Crown Land but the Crown Land is necessary to afford a suitable buffer between the roundabout and ocean.

We would also like to make clear we support the use of roundabouts as a respected method for many, but not all intersections. This intersection is not appropriate for a roundabout. It is an intersection with entry and exit points in close proximity serving the gas station and resort motel. It is an intersection with high pedestrian traffic as it is used for beach access. Add to this mix a relatively high use of cyclists with Town plans to enhance this use by building dedicated cyclist lanes.

There was a pedestrian fatality near this intersection several years ago. In response, the Town installed a pedestrian activated cross walk-signalized light. We believe if the Town determines the need to further improve this intersection, it should be done with traffic lights. This would not require intrusion of Crown Land.
A recent petition was circulated in protest of building the roundabout. To be clear, the 875 signatories were only protesting the roundabout – not the elements to improve Town infrastructure or protect and enhance our environment. We urge you to carefully consider the motivation for the Town’s application request and to reject that request as an unnecessary and undesired use of Crown Land.

Respectfully , Lance R. Nater
President, Qualicum Beach Residents’ Association