I wrote back to Peach asking that she reconsider her choice of written language when drafting open letters to the public. I explained that her latest letter only exemplifies the belief that Lions Bay is an elitist community.....I'm yet to see a reply from her.
Nice job paddledive, keep the pressure on them
It seems that we've got a bit of a good cop/bad cop thing going here, as I just finished a potential communication to the dive shops and council. It is more for the benefit of council as it shows that we are willing to make an effort to be better visitors. I'm sure the dive shops won't pay much attention to it but from council's perspective, it's a nice gesture.
Please let me know if there's anything I should change/add or if you think it shouldn't be sent at all:
Dear shop manager,
As you are probably aware, the Village of Lions Bay recently enacted a bylaw prohibiting non-residents from diving Kelvin Grove. The motivation for this bylaw was "an irresponsible minority have had a pattern of stripping down, sometimes to total nudity, at their cars up in the parking lot and then urinating around the parking lot, or doing this in the park, even in front of people with children."
A group of local divers have been actively working to have this bylaw repealed by writing letters to Lions Bay Council, attending council meetings and discussing the issue with divers as well as residents of Lions Bay. Our efforts combined with public dissent and unfavorable media exposure have resulted in the bylaw being put on hold, for now - "Council has sent it back to the legal advisors who reviewed the bylaw before it was passed, and asked them for a closer look and a briefing. We will not in the meantime be enforcing this clause. If it turns out to be impractical, Council will look at other means of achieving the aims of our OCP in this case."
Please help us demonstrate to the residents of Lions Bay that divers are responsible, respectful, and willing to make an effort to work with council to ensure our continued access to Kelvin Grove. We ask that you do not discourage divers from visiting Kelvin Grove but remind them that special consideration is required when visiting sites that are in close proximity to residential neighbourhoods. In particular, please point out the following:
-Kelvin Grove Park is open from 6:30am until 10pm daily
-Washroom facilities exist in the park - please use them
-There are 5 visitor parking spaces with a 3 hour time limit (free parking)
-Parking in resident-only parking spaces is permitted with the purchase of a parking pass from Lions Bay Marina
-Changing in the parking lot is not permitted as it is in clear view of several homes
This message is being sent to all local dive shops as well as Lions Bay Council members with the hope that our proactive approach will appease Council and put an end to this bylaw.
Thank you for your help.