The Editor,
Residents of Anmore were surprised June 26 to receive a notice about a public meeting to introduce representatives of Rowing Canada (RCA) who want to relocate their National Training Centre to Buntzen Lake. With only two days notice, the meeting was poorly attended but to those who did go, there were many unanswered questions.
Initial diagrams showed the entire lake being used for RCA boats but, when questioned, the representatives said the organization would leave space at each beach for people to use.
Buntzen is a small lake, much of it surrounded by rock walls that amplify all sound. The 60 rowers plus coaches will practise three times a day during all seasons. They will require buoys placed every 10 m in the water to mark their lanes. Nine lines of buoys that, during competitions, are red and luminous yellow-orange are attached to rails that are installed at the bottom of the lake. I believe they intend that these buoys will be a permanent fixture in the lake.
In order to manage the volume of rowers, RCA wants to build a permanent boathouse and private parking lot either near the old pump house or near the north beach swimming area. They will also have to install a septic facility in this pristine area.
At the Anmore meeting, an RCA representative stated Anmore village council had been informed about the plans and was in favour of them. But when asked, three of the five Anmore officials denied they had endorsed the plan.
Buntzen is a small lake but it is a major recreation area for the Lower Mainland, and while the RCA has come to Anmore and to BC Hydro to talk about this National Rowing Centre, it has not attempted to inform any of our surrounding municipalities nor does it intend to do so, according to statements at the Anmore meeting.
The rowing group has argued a national centre will bring economic spinoffs and the pride of being part of winning an Olympic medal.
For all of us who enjoy the peace, tranquility and beauty of looking over the lake to the mountains, a 2,000-plus-metre buoyed course covered with rowing boats does not equate.
Rowing Canada has stated that it has other options across Canada. This lake is too small to have such a large portion taken up by one group. I do not think that this is a good fit.
Linda Weinberg, Anmore
