Rezoning not the way to go in Cow Bay
Dear Jon [Lefebure] and Lori [Iannidinardo],
I have lived overlooking amazing Cowichan Bay for the last eight years. It was formerly of scenic interest to view the deep-sea port in operation as it contributed to our economy exporting lumber. But that activity decreased, ocean shipping ceased and maintenance of the port became uneconomic.
I consequently looked forward to seeing these heavy industrial activities diminish so that this magnificent nature-reserve could gradually return to its former ecological state. One only has to look at False Creek, Vancouver, the Upper Harbour and Gorge Inlet, Victoria, or the Nanaimo Waterfront to realize that we have reached a stage in West Coast development when heavy industry can retire to more appropriate locations and our magnificent waterfront can be restored and rehabilitated towards its previous harmonious state.
I am now very surprised to hear that a political crossroads had been reached at which yourselves, as our representatives, are being petitioned by this industry to ratify their present non-compliant activities and rezone their leases to promote further industrialization in the future. To vote in this direction would be to lose a tremendous chance for moving towards the eventual recovery of this ecological gem, as proposed by CERCA. To give in to the Western Stevedoring contention that their plan provides for a healthy environment is laughable as anyone can easily see by taking one look at an aerial view of our bay.
I am not against moves to improve our local economy but strongly believe that relocating this industry to more appropriate industrially zoned sites is the way to go with no loss of jobs. In this manner conservation management can be allowed to enhance Cowichan Bay’s incredible wildlife facility while greatly benefiting our enviable tourist economy.
Charles Ayers
Cowichan Bay