Dear editor,
Recently, Trilogy Group president/CEO Mr. John Evans is quoted as saying, “British Columbia and indeed the Comox Valley are very well received as I speak with people literally around the world. There is a recognition and an acknowledgement of the attractiveness of this region.”
I wonder if Mr. Evans and his prospective investors are aware that this “recognition” will be significantly downgraded if the Raven coal mine is developed. Furthermore, this mine is essentially the prelude to at least one other proposed mine — the Bear open pit coal mine to be located just above Cumberland’s water supply.
The Trilogy CAYET project will be well-situated to hear and see the impacts of these mines.
One BC Assessment official has predicted that Valley property values would be adversely affected if the Raven mine proceeds. Some real estate agents are already reporting having clients who are waiting on the decision about Raven because they do not want to settle here if coal mining is in the future.
And Mr. Evans’ current water-servicing challenges could only be the tip of the iceberg concerning water issues.
One may also wonder just how much the CAYET Discovery new visitor centre and CAYET Commons resort will be used as the Valley becomes known as the Coalmox Valley.
Peggy Zimmerman,
Courtenay