I read with high interest two letters published in the PQN News on Feb. 5.
Both advocated a swift building of a sports complex within the RDN.
I firmly believe that monies spent on providing sports and recreational facilities to aid growing children and teenagers develop physical and mental staminas, is coin well-spent and this should, with very loose limits attached, be a priority in every society.
Younger generations have had no hand in making this world a ticking time bomb that must eventually produce environments, made unsustainable to many life forms, including our own.
We should for this and other good reasons, do all things possible to prepare them to face life uncertainties we never had to face.
Most of those pressing for tax funded sports and exercise centres can, if they use common sense, well do without such facilities dedicated to their needs.
They do however use the young people card as an influencing wedge, intended to assist middle-aged adults and seniors to gain, then enjoy recreational outlets, funded by others, that they then might, in social groupings, relieve lives inflicted with self-generated boredom and ennui.
Walking is the one exercise that supports, promotes and enhances in all ways both physical and mind health.
No matter where a sports and exercise complex may be built within the RDN, almost all using the facility will drive to its location.
Even those a ten minute walk away from its doors will drive, and demand a maximum, no matter the season, well maintained parking opportunities.
Statistically, 96% of adults can walk for some meaningful exercise periods. Whether in home, garden or on streets, this one exercise is conducive to and promotes good health beyond all others.
I strongly oppose wasting taxpayer money funding the wants of a small portion of the RDN’s adult population, who decline to enjoy, with no costs borne by others, those free exercises that humans have done, outside of dedicated centres, for several millions of years.
Bill Waterhouse
Qualicum Beach