Dear editor,
Recently, DND indicated they were engaged in ongoing negotiations with Cape Lazo property owners for ongoing negotiations.
The only "negotiations" that have been going on between DND and the Wireless Road/Kye Bay Road property owners have been in the media.
Property owners requested a meeting with Col. Benninger — no response. They've made enquiries through other parties to try to facilitate a meeting — no luck.
Any flight safety issue that might have existed over the last 30 years by reason of the trees has been resolved by the recent increase in aircraft operating altitudes. Flight safety has been achieved, so it's time to discuss the real issue.
The remaining issue arises out of Transport Canada's recent insistence on clearing trees based on antiquated zoning regulations. This has resulted in a perceived conflict between passenger convenience/commercial airline industry profits on the one hand vs. the environmental values of a vulnerable heronry and habitat on the other hand.
The effect upon convenience and economics has not yet been determined and is based only upon speculation at this point. Alternatives to tree cutting such as better technology may offer a way out of the impasse and should be investigated.
The effect upon the trees and herons has been assessed by biologists who have expressed grave concern about the impact of tree removal and topping on the herons and the future of the remaining forest.
Wouldn't it be a lot better to have a full discussion of the issues and all the facts on the table before taking the drastic step of mutilating a valuable forest ecosystem? Wouldn't it be better if all reasonable alternatives are examined fully with input from all interested parties?
Wouldn't it be better to ensure that all parties are fully informed on their legal obligations under the Aeronautics Act before any irrevocable steps are taken?
That's all that the property owners have asked for from the beginning.
Robert Argall,
Comox