Dear editor,
So many letters to the editor have been concerned about who is behind Comox Valley Common Sense.
Might it not be more useful to ask: "What is Comox Valley Common Sense?"
I can tell you of two examples of what is not common sense in the Comox Valley.
Is it sensible that several land owners with tall trees adjacent to the airport can jeopardize the safety of the flying public and put at risk one of the few economic drivers in this Valley by their refusal to top those trees? Flights have been diverted because of fog and the now-reduced allowable flight paths.
And what was the initial response of the CVRD? Instead of demanding that the trees be topped, it asked for a review of the standards under the Aeronautics Act.
That review might occur a decade or two from now, if at all. The Comox Valley tail has no ability to wag the federal dog. Is the CVRD's response to the problem — "Let's have a study" the reason why the airport commission CEO just resigned?
The second issue that cries out for common sense is the Kensington, Union Bay development.
If only our local and provincial governments would get their collective foot off of Kensington's neck, many jobs and much local investment would be created in its construction and operation. The economic surge to the Valley would be significant, especially in these tough times.
But no! Our local governments are squabbling about the ownership, control and costs of the water resource. Rightly and wrongly the regional district demands ownership of Union Bay's water licence.
Wrongly, the CVRD refuses to allow Kensington to proceed until its uncompromising demands are met. Kensington's jobs and investment sit and wait while our friends and neighbours seek work in Alberta.
What will come of the recent meeting among the governments (including cabinet ministers) to deal with this issue? More months without a resolution?
Surely our politicians can find a compromise or more surely the provincial government can force a compromise. Let us demand and receive common sense from our politicians!
J. Galt,
Comox Valley