A Saanich park that has become a favourite for locals and tourists alike has one society questioning whether it’s becoming a victim of its own popularity.
Mount Doug Park is home to dozens of trails boasts some of the best panoramic views of the city.
But a significant increase in the number of people in the park has left some trails in bad condition, according to the group Friends of the Mount Douglas Park Society.
“We’re seeing the trails eroded, we’re seeing them spread out so the very thing that’s supposed to be protected, and what people are coming here to enjoy, is disappearing,” said society spokesman Darrel Wick.
The society a spike in tourism to the region as well as the current housing crisis have more people looking to city parks for outdoor space.
This week, the society presented its concerns to Saanich City Council.
“What we’re seeing is tourists want natural outdoor experiences and a lot of our hoteliers and others are referring people to Mount Doug,” said Coun. Judy Brownoff. “With climate change, significantly more storms, more visitors, there has to be some investment.”
Saanich’s parks manager agreed that trail maintenance has become an issue in many Capital Region parks, including Thetis Lake.
The society is asking council for a long-term preservation vision, something Saanich Parks says it’s working to release in the coming years.
In the meantime, park regulars and staff are urging users to stay on designated trails to make sure the picturesque piece of nature doesn’t get stretched too thin.
