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Oceanside committee rejects security lockers for bicycles at recreational facilities

Directors find costs too expensive
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Oceanside Place has bike racks where bicycles can be locked and secure. (PQB News file photo)

The Regional District of Nanaimo Oceanside Services Committee rejected the plan to provide bicycle storage at its two recreational facilities in Parksville Qualicum Beach.

At its meeting on March 2, the committee heard a staff report that recommended $50,000 to be allocated at Oceanside Place Arena and another $50,000 at Ravensong Aquatic Centre for the creation of secure lockers. Staff suggested that the $100,000 total be considered in the RDN’s financial plan.

Staff was directed by the committee last June to look for secure storage options as a way to mitigate bicycle theft in the region. But the exorbitant amount stated in the report has discouraged the members of the committee from supporting it.

Area F (Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, Whiskey Creek, Meadowood) director, Leanne Salter, indicated the existing bike racks have been working well for years.

“I don’t know that this is a good idea,” said Salter. “And I find it extremely costly especially at a time when people are having a hard time making ends meet. Everything’s rising. Taxes are rising. And I guess this is a want and I don’t think it’s a need. This is beyond what I thought it would look like. I won’t support it.”

Parksville director and mayor Doug O’Brien totally agrees with securing bicycles but also is not able to support such a costly expenditure.

“They already have the racks and everybody brings their own locks so it’s quite secure,” said O’Brien. “But to actually provide lockers for the bicycles, it just seems like over the top really.”

READ MORE: Secure storage options for bicycles being sought for Parksville Qualicum Beach facilities

Staff indicated that there is not a high volume of people using their bicycles at the arena because it would be difficult to haul hockey equipment. They recorded some bicycles parked in the racks at Ravensong but not a lot.

Parksville director Sean Wood indicated that they want to encourage bike use wherever they can and take cars off the road.

“Bikes are getting more and more expensive and they’re also a high target of theft,” said Wood. “So I definitely understand why these are in front of us now. And I would also mention that you know we may be going into a bit of a higher tax season.”

Wood suggested security cameras instead as he believes this would cost less than $50,000 and would serve as an effective way to deter thieves.

The committee unanimously voted against the $100,000 security lockers.

Michael.Briones@pqbnews.com

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Michael Briones

About the Author: Michael Briones

I rejoined the PQB News team in April 2017 from the Comox Valley Echo, having previously covered sports for The NEWS in 1997.
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