Dear editor,
I am throwing my support in for the development of the Raven Coal Mine, even though I do not necessarily agree with the current transportation corridor proposal. It bothers me that some folks can be ‘tunnel-visioned’ towards not positively supporting our local economy and the natural resources which our planet has to offer us.
Without economic stimulus in this region, the area is not sustainable long term either in terms of affordability or of the environment. Most of us do not have endless pockets of money to support our lifestyles. So if the economy is not vibrant, where do we lean for support?
Government programs are the easiest target. Governments are the primary target for more funding and more support for local charities. With a vibrant economy, we too as normal folks working in the valley could help support those less fortunate.
If however we are all depending on handouts from governments, it is difficult to help our neighbours. Even now we are seeing that governments are not the purveyor of support for healthy, vibrant communities. They are having a real juggling act of where to find funding for those needing it most. The government wealth (largely derived from industry, business and personal taxes) is either distributed to those complaining the loudest or those in a politically favourable region.
But is the mining of coal harmful to our environment? It definitely is if you believe in rhetoric from poorly researched, off-the-cuff material thrown at us by factions such as Coal Watch and the Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition. The environmental assessment procedure that every potential Canadian mine is subject to is rigorous at best, if not sometimes over-the-top when dealing with identifiable hazards and consequences and their necessary mitigations.
We should be proud that our governments have put lofty environmental criteria before us prior to being allowed to proceed with mining, forestry or other resource operations.
It is Canada’s natural resources that form our communities and give back to the same in multiplicity, providing a sustainable economic backdrop on which to raise our families and enjoy our lifestyles. Everyone benefits – the supply and service industries, street peoples, teachers, doctors, lawyers, First Nations, stores, restaurants, resorts, ski hills, hippies, the shellfish industry, farmers, all levels of government….the list goes on and on.
Those that think that tourism alone is the Island’s solution to the future might as well be looking into a crystal ball (or into a hunk of coal for that matter). Tourists too need dollars to spend…generated from sustainable economic development.
As I see it, forestry, fishing, aquaculture and mining have formed and should continue to form the backbone of vibrant sustainable communities throughout Vancouver Island. It’s my backyard and I too love this place.
Del Ferguson
Comox