One of the wonderful things about our community is that it lies along a magnificent waterfront which the whole community can enjoy. Additionally the waterfront changes as you go along, from a well used beach at Ambleside with recreation and other facilities, to a wonderful sea wall, which people of all ages can enjoy for exercise or simply to sit and take in the view. Once you pass Dundarave, it starts getting more rugged, and that's the beauty of it. Waterfront homes have the luxury of direct access, however, the rest of the community have always been able to access the beach wherever they live, to picnic, walk, play with the kids, kayak, paddle board or simply to hang out with friends. The beach access at 29th Street is the most well used entry point between 28th street and 31st, for a few reasons and should be saved: 1. First of all, the creek just beyond 28th street is impassable for a good part of the year and certainly between November and April/May so if you access the beach at 28th St you can only go east. The steps to the west of 29th Street at Altamont, are in as much disrepair as 29th street, but these steps are also dark, dank and don't feel as safe. 2. The section of beach around the steps at 29th Street is really enjoyed by the whole community. Despite the steps being closed, people are still climbing over the barrier to get to the beach. Last Saturday, 8 surfers were down there, all summer long people picnic there, many people walk along there and some just choose to sit down on one of the logs. If those steps are removed, you are basically privatizing the section of the beach from 28th St to Radcliffe as it will only be left for the enjoyment of those whose homes are on the waterfront. 3. It has great parking (tennis courts) The steps at 29th Street are very well used. The parking is easy (by the tennis courts), it's open and easy to access. People use this beach all the time and they drive down from all over. People want to use the beach, not sit and look at it. We have plenty of other places to sit and take in the view We would really like the Council to look at this matter seriously and realize that the creation of an ornamental terrace is short sighted. Taking away beach access will be a big mistake going forward and seems like a very short term solution. Please sign and forward to friends if you agree.