To the editor,
It is said that our planet will survive us, the human race. At the moment, we are trying our best to destroy everything around us, above us, and below the ground.
Canada, and British Columbia, are far from innocent in this process. According to extensive research done for Globe and Mail, there are already 122,456 inactive oil and gas wells in Western Canada, 7,382 of them in B.C. The previous operators are unable to clean them up.
Kitimat LNG hub is touted as the biggest project in Canadian history. Does China need so much natural gas that it’s worth it to build another 1,000 kilometres of pipeline, from northern BC to Vancouver Island’s west coast?
I understand the short-term economic benefit for Huu-ay-aht First Nations, who have negotiated the agreement with Steelhead LNG. But the risks are enormous, not only along the pipeline, but also in Barkley Sound. It is frightening to envision large ships trying to negotiate the entrance to the sound, with its rocks and surf and busy small boat traffic. What will happen to the salmon, sea lions, whales, and all other marine life?
We have so little truly magnificent natural areas left to explore and enjoy. Something else could be built in Sarita Bay, for people to come and share the beauty and bounty. Wya Point near Ucluelet comes to mind: there are gorgeous log cabins overlooking the bay, and a campground with comfortable domes, all booked months ahead of season. Such projects truly respect and take care of the nature, and can be shared with generations to come.
Rayana Erland,
Port Alberni