The estimated costs of replacing the BLESS platform are ridiculous. Far cheaper options are available that would meet the needs of the community and even improve the Big Lake experience.
Why not build an upper deck on the highland near the bike path so bird watchers with binoculars and serious cameras can still set up. Then have steps going down to water level meeting a floating dock with a floating deck on the end. This would need railings and anchors of course to keep people from falling in. The dock would be brought in when the weather turned, and put back out in the spring. I'm certain that would cost significantly less than any of the other proposals.
Nick Diederichs, St. Albert
