Texada needs a say on plant
Chuck Childress
What?
I must have missed something. I checked out the window and, yes, I was still home on Texada. Surely my call display and answering machine must have been out of order when they called to ask my opinion.
I checked with a dozen or so other residents and discovered that I was not alone. Something smells a bit like the stuff they put in the propane.
Seasoned Texada Islanders are used to mega-proposals and their undelivered promises.
First, we had the Cheekeye-Dunsmuir power line, which let a few local loggers cut a few trees, but mainly used imported labour and left not one permanent job. Then came Genstar and its promise of a swimming pool and a few jobs if we let Greater Vancouver replace its low-tech garbage dump with a new and better dump on Texada. Texada didn't fall for that one.
Then came the Vancouver Island gas pipeline, with more promises of prosperity, employment and natural gas. Again, a few token locals cut trees and operated machinery. However, there's not one permanent job and no gas for Texada. We have seen the slick tricksters and hired guns with their open houses and managed public consultation. No thanks, not this time.
All Texada Islanders must have a say in the plant's location and even if it should be allowed on Texada at all. Texada has a tradition of holding a referendum when faced with a major issue. We have had votes on pesticide use, ferry schedules and land acquisition. Anything less than a referendum on this issue is unacceptable.
The run up to the referendum will flush out the facts, provide the most information and stimulate maximum debate.
The vote itself will give an equal voice to one and all, and at the end of the day, Texadans will decide Texada's future--which is how it should be--and what democracy is all about.
And to all Texadans I say: Be vigilant, for those who will try to deny us a referendum don't have Texada's interests at heart and may have already sold part of their souls behind closed doors.
Sanderson Road
Texada Island
Powell River Peak
09-Aug-2007
Imagine the surprise of most Texadans to learn via the tube that Texada [Island] was being rewarded with a $2 billion liquefied natural gas plant and gas-fired generating facility at Coho Point ["Texada target of LNG plan," August 1]. It was also a bit of a surprise to learn that there was overwhelming support in the community.
Texada Island
Powell River Peak
09-Aug-2007
Imagine the surprise of most Texadans to learn via the tube that Texada [Island] was being rewarded with a $2 billion liquefied natural gas plant and gas-fired generating facility at Coho Point ["Texada target of LNG plan," August 1]. It was also a bit of a surprise to learn that there was overwhelming support in the community.
What?
I must have missed something. I checked out the window and, yes, I was still home on Texada. Surely my call display and answering machine must have been out of order when they called to ask my opinion.
I checked with a dozen or so other residents and discovered that I was not alone. Something smells a bit like the stuff they put in the propane.
Seasoned Texada Islanders are used to mega-proposals and their undelivered promises.
First, we had the Cheekeye-Dunsmuir power line, which let a few local loggers cut a few trees, but mainly used imported labour and left not one permanent job. Then came Genstar and its promise of a swimming pool and a few jobs if we let Greater Vancouver replace its low-tech garbage dump with a new and better dump on Texada. Texada didn't fall for that one.
Then came the Vancouver Island gas pipeline, with more promises of prosperity, employment and natural gas. Again, a few token locals cut trees and operated machinery. However, there's not one permanent job and no gas for Texada. We have seen the slick tricksters and hired guns with their open houses and managed public consultation. No thanks, not this time.
All Texada Islanders must have a say in the plant's location and even if it should be allowed on Texada at all. Texada has a tradition of holding a referendum when faced with a major issue. We have had votes on pesticide use, ferry schedules and land acquisition. Anything less than a referendum on this issue is unacceptable.
The run up to the referendum will flush out the facts, provide the most information and stimulate maximum debate.
The vote itself will give an equal voice to one and all, and at the end of the day, Texadans will decide Texada's future--which is how it should be--and what democracy is all about.
And to all Texadans I say: Be vigilant, for those who will try to deny us a referendum don't have Texada's interests at heart and may have already sold part of their souls behind closed doors.
posted by Friend of Texada at
12:40 PM
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