August 24 - fence destruction

It appears that the drivers of motorized vehicles are determined to destroy the area.  They knocked down the remaining fence posts, and drove into the area.  The ATV's drive through a tiny trail into the marshes to spin around and dig up the turf with their huge tires.  They think this is fun, and it doesn't matter that their fun is damaging the area.  They are too self centered to care, as the only thing that appears to matter is the pleasure they get from the destruction.

Unfortunately even though what they are doing is illegal, the By-law department doesn't have the manpower to actually police the area, so the vandals continue to get away with their destruction.

The City has cameras set up to monitor the pump house to prevent further destruction, and I can't understand why they can't monitor the area being destroyed with an additional camera.  I have suggested it, and they claim it is an invasion of privacy.  So if that would be an invasion of privacy, what were the cameras set up to monitor wildlife and people activity for their recent study of the use of the area?  If that was legal, why can't they monitor the destruction of the fence and damage in the marsh area?

It appears that what is self serving for the City are things they can do.  What would serve to protect the area, including putting up large boulders, which I understood they were supposed to do where the broken fence is, doesn't make it to the top of their "to do" list.

Also, one of the large rocks that was protecting the bridge near the pump house has been moved.  There are scars on an adjacent tree that appear to have had a winch on it to move the rock.  Also, one of the smaller rocks that was set up to block the paved trail has also been moved.  The City has to get serious about protecting the area, and not do things half way, with a show of small boulders.  They need to put in humongous rocks if they are serious.

If the protection of this area from vandals and motorized vehicles that are where they are not supposed to be is important to you, please write, phone or email the City and the Mayor and Council.  The Friends of McIntyre Creek Board are doing what we can to protect the area, but we need the support of the people who are also concerned.  The more voices supporting the protection of this area, the better chance we have of success.  Let them know that you care, and that you want to see more support from the City in being serious about protecting the area.