Editor:
Since Monday evening Oct. 28, the Winskill public forest is now in prison with a death sentence pronounced by Delta council and guarded 24 hours a day until execution.
With orange metal fences erected surrounding the forest and security guards patrolling 24 hours a day, the forest and the people who care about the forest are waiting to see what the next days will bring- the sound of chainsaws cutting down the forest or a miraculous reprieve for reconsideration and opportunity for the city to hear from the Delta residents who love the forest and are trying to save it.
It is a sad and regrettable situation that many in the community feel divided about the future of this forest land. It seems that all agree that new facilities are needed but many residents, including myself also greatly appreciate and respect the value of the Winskill public forest land.
Located at the centre of Tsawwassen, the Winskill forest has a long history as a favourite park area much loved and enjoyed by generations of residents, not to mention the many birds, forest animals and fauna who live in and visit the forest. Public forest lands have become almost extinct in Delta. The few remaining forests would seem to qualify as Heritage Cultural Forest sites. The reason people move to Tsawwassen/Delta is for the enjoyment of the few public forests that survive.
It is unfortunate that the location chosen for the new aquatic centre reduces sports land at Winskill, creating the need to be compensated with new sports land. But is destroying the forest the best or only possible solution to provide a baseball diamond?
If you are concerned about the loss of the forest, please write to the Mayor and Council. Act fast before all trees are down.
Carol Vignale
