Re: Barbara Julian’s column “Animals and the evolution of our oceanside grasslands,” Oak Bay News, June 14
Barbara Julian implies that the “holloway” is part of Anderson Hill Park. This is incorrect, as can be seen on the Oak Bay zoning map and the Capital Regional District regional map. The area she describes is zoned residential, RS4 and RS5, not P1 as parkland.
The path leading down the steps west to Transit Road along the Earn Street road allowance, is actually part of the Centennial Trail. The functional road segment of Earn Street leading east from the steps is neither park nor trail, being simply a convenient street shortcut between two parts of the Centennial Trail. From their junction at the top of the stairs, the Centennial Trail continues south between private properties on either side of the Calvert Crescent road allowance, up the slope toward Anderson Hill Park which has a boundary at the first bend.
Thus, the park begins some 125 metres from Transit Road. Many walkers are unaware of the boundary of the park since Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture has refused to install a sign.
These segments of trail and road, like the rest of the Centennial Trail throughout Oak Bay, are not parkland.
In this instance, they are not part of Anderson Hill Park. This distinction is important because the bylaws for the trail and the park are different.
Notably, Anderson Hill Park is an ‘off-leash area’ for dogs. However, dogs must be leashed on the entire Centennial Trail. (See the district’s Interactive Dog Map)
The lack of a simple marker puts dog owners at risk of having their pet impounded.
Alicia Gibson
Oak Bay