DON'T LET UBC HAUNT US THIS SUMMER OF 2005!
Because of the efforts of 45,000+ petition signatures and letters to the GVRD (the local government body responsible for development that affects Wreck Beach) we were able to help persuade the GVRD to protect park values, including viewscapes. As a result, UBC lowered the first of several planned towers in their Marine Residence Towers project from 20 to 18 storeys. That was Phase One.
Now we are at Phase Two. On July 29, 2005, the GVRD passed a bylaw prohibiting building visibility at Wreck Beach. UBC has unveiled plans for Phase Two which would visually impact Wreck Beach more severely than Phase One. The Phase Two design is NOT yet approved by the GVRD. Pressure from concerned citizens has already persuaded UBC to make significant design changes.
BE PART OF THE TIDE THAT WILL ENCOURAGE UBC TO MAKE FURTHER NECESSARY CHANGES NOW!
To make this really easy for you, we have provided you with a letter template and sample letters. Add any other thoughts you wish to include. Or compose your own letter if you like, and make sure to send to Paulette Vetleson and Judy Williams at the email addresses provided on the template.
UBC Towers Violate GVRD Resolution
Proposed Next Phase of Towers More Visible from Beach
Photo by Rick Fearman / 2005 |
 Photo by Judy Williams / 1979 |
Welcome To Our Beach
Where else in North America -- let alone in the world -- can you spend spring mornings skiing powder snow, and then, spend the afternoons sunning your bare buns, but at Wreck Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada?!
This 7.8 kilometers long wilderness-like beach, which follows a promontory below an emerald-green forested, 200-foot high, cliff system weathered to beauty akin the White cliffs of Dover, is Canada's first and largest, legal, clothing-optional beach and is a Mecca to visitors from around the world!
Over 500,000 visitors annually find their way down the many sylvan trails to the glistening sands and sparkling waters where the mighty Fraser River waters mingle with those of the Strait of Georgia and English Bay. Eagles, kingfishers, Pileatted woodpeckers and escaped exotic domestics such as parrots, lovebirds and magpies compliment the stately Great Blue herons as they scout the shallow beach waters in search of fish. The largest heronry in the Vancouver area is found in the upland forests behind Wreck Beach for these magnificent birds.
On a glorious summer weekend, literally, over 14,000 visitors can flock to the beach which stretches from the Musqueam Reserve to Spanish Banks West. Vendors' Row, which stretches down the middle of the beach below Trail 6, offers such wonders as exotic paraeos from the South Seas to exquisite hand-crafted jewelry and glass boxes.
If you're hungry, Lucy's Peruvian empanada's, Stormin' Norman's buffalo burgers, Abduhl's Dagwood-type fresh ham and cheese or tuna sandwiches will more than sate your appetite! Liquid refreshments go down well on scorchingly-hot days and whether you crave the icy cold wonder of Marco's organic fruit juices and pops or Joseph's blended fresh fruit smoothies -- you don't have to go thirsty!
Whatever you need from Wreck Beach -- soothing silence to a carnival atmosphere, or replenishment of your soul -- is yours for the seeking depending on what section or "personality" of the beach you choose.