The Comox Valley Record printed a news article on October 29 entitled "Consortium wants to extract coal from Valley".

The Record chose NOT to print some of the letters written by local residents critical of the article's uncritical coverage of the proposed mine, and its promotional tone.

October 30, 2009

Dear Editor

When I read your article in today’s paper, I was surprised at how positive you made this proposed coal mine sound.  For example, “The site was chosen with the help of a community advisory committee.”  This is definitely not true.  Compliance Coal invited communities in the area to send representatives to two workshops, but the representatives were informed as to two proposed sites. 

The article says there will be 200 direct jobs and 300 – 500 indirect jobs.  However, how many fisheries and shellfish jobs will be affected if there is any destruction of the Cowie Creek watershed and Fanny Bay. 

What are the possible effects on ground water and watersheds?  Shouldn’t that have been dealt with in the article?

My other question is why didn’t The Comox Valley Record interview community members in the affected areas?  This article felt like a press release by Compliance Energy.  From what I saw at the Open House on Oct. 28 in Fanny Bay, there were many questions to answer and the local BC residents are very concerned about the negative impacts of this proposed coal mine.

Anne and Bill Trussler ( Concerned Local Citizens)

October 30, 2009
 

Robin Mumblo sent her report about the open house held by Compliance Coal in Fanny Bay (see "Jeers, no cheers for at Fanny Bay Open House") to the Record. It was not published.