Stacey Gaiga, Alberni Valley Times, August 12, 2011

"Re: Official Community Plan is not a deal-breaker," (Alberni Valley Times, Aug. 10)

The "shred of evidence" Mr. Oliver requested on "evidence of damage to salmon runs as a direct result of coal operations," was provided earlier this year in a published letter by Phil Harrison of Comox, who grew up in the times when the Cumberland mine was still operating.

He clearly recalls the abundance of wild salmon in the Courtenay River and the Trent River. He said Comox Harbour was famous for tyee fishing. He also said that industry has a dreadful environmental record in the Comox Valley. Tailings from the Cumberland Coal mines eventually impacted on salmon stock that disappeared from the Trent River and the Tsable River became a dead river as result of coal mine tailings.

The Environmental Assessment process for the Raven coal project just finished the second of two public comment periods. The first public comment period resulted in 1,866 comments. This second public comment period resulted in approximately 2,865, which adds up to 4,731 comments submitted to date, with well over 95% in opposition to this coal project.

Considering the trend has been less than 30% of eligible voters turning out for elections, and over 4,000 people have participated in this one, single project, it's encouraging. Partly because this represents one of the largest numbers for public participation for an environmental assessment process in B.C.'s history. Facts are facts.

An Official Community Plan is public policy and any proposed change to the Official Community Plan must be passed by city council as a bylaw and must have input from the public and a public hearing. Considering the content of our Shoreline Master Plan, a background document for our OCP, coal simply doesn't fit with the objectives and goals for use of our waterfront. If this coal project is to proceed, then we should have public hearings to amend the OCP. This information is also available for anyone to read at City Hall. The truth is out there and facts aren't rhetoric. Remember, when you point your finger at someone, you have three pointing back at you.

Stacey Gaiga
Port Alberni

© Alberni Valley Times 2011

Source