Dear Editor:
I have lived on the North Shore for over 30 years and I love it. One of my favourite walks is the West Vancouver seawalk, unfortunately before I get there, I have to pass a toxic mess. The artificial turf field adjacent to the West Vancouver SPCA is that place.
This field has been allowed to degrade horribly over the years. The field’s rubber pebbles endlessly leech to the surrounding area, including the wetland area to the east of the field which is rich with wildlife.
Additionally, the off-gases from the field are horrible. In all honesty I would not want anyone playing on this site, let alone young children.
I am wondering what plans the District of West Vancouver has for this field. It is obviously well used and I fully support having playing fields in that area. However, the environmental impact of a poorly maintained field on the surrounding area can’t be justified. If the district builds the structure, it is obligated to maintain it. As it stands now, it is obvious that the district has been negligent in its responsibilities. I can’t imagine the cost of the clean-up.
I truly hope that the city has a plan for this site – to revitalize the field, and most importantly, to clean up the surrounding wetland.
Jewel Hunter
North Vancouver
