EDITOR,
Re. "Trail fee system unfair: organizer," Chief, July 22.
Looks like there are some serious transparency issues with this policy. How does an event get their permit renewed when they have an outstanding charge?
For clarity, the bylaw (Schedule 19 - District of Squamish Trail Use Event Fee, Fees and Charges Bylaw 2012, 2007 (as amended by Bylaw No. 2144)) states that, "Any event utilizing District of Squamish-owned property, including trail, road, road allowance easement or right of way or any other form of Municipal property. Events that are for youth only are exempt from this fee."
Note that the wording isn't just specific to trail-based events but also road events (e.g. Squamish Days 10km and Squamish Triathlon). And what about events like the Orecrusher, Just Another Bike Race, Stormy 2010, Tenderfoot Boogie, Loop the Lakes, Loonie Rides, bootcamps, etc.
Why weren't any of these events invoiced?
I'm more than happy to have paid the trail fee, but not if I'm going to be the only one.
Bryan Tasaka, Principal
Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR)
New Westminster
