Parksville council has defeated a motion to give first and second reading to a bylaw that would permit a bike rental sea can at the Parksville Visitor Centre.
The plan was to rent both e-bikes and beach cruiser pedal bikes. Several council members said they liked the concept, but could not get behind the location.
“The first thing they’re going to see when they’re coming around the corner is a sea can and to me that just bothers me to no end,” said Mayor Ed Mayne on April 20. “Once it’s there, it’s going to be there and it’s going to look like hell for the next number of years.”
Coun. Al Greir suggested Parksville Community Park, already zoned for rentals, would be a better spot. During a presentation earlier in the meeting, James Dunderdale of Go Bike Go Play, said the reason for the proposed location was its proximity to bike trails at Top Bridge Regional Park and the trail connecting the park to Coombs.
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Mayne suggested the can could instead be placed on the other side of the property, next to the Parksville Museum. Coun. Doug O’Brien indicated he believes placing the sea can close to the museum grounds would be detrimental. He also pointed out it would be in a high-traffic location that could be dangerous for people to access.
Coun. Mark Chandler suggested council could give the bylaw first and second reading to allow it to proceed to the public hearing stage, where council could hear feedback.
“At these public hearings, and especially in this case, very few people show up and you get little input, so this is something I think council should make a decision on,” Greir said.
Council voted in a three-three draw, with Coun. Marilyn Wilson, O’Brien and Greir opposed, defeating the motion.