Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, to Coun. Kate Marsh for reading my email addressed to the councillors (in lieu of attending the public meeting) and hearing my and many other locals’ concerns regarding the ridiculous Berkey’s Corner development.
I stressed the importance of the flora and fauna, the benefits of leaving the environment untouched and how I love nature.
Coun. Kate Marsh clearly understands and advocated by calling on Environment Canada for a timely, free assessment of the property to determine rare/endangered species and for the development to be put on hold.
But, oh no!
Vote not in favour. Disappointing.
Wouldn’t want to set a precedent for the environment; the earth that we live on and the land we live off of, “that would be overkill”, according to Coun. Al Siebring’s taste.
Want to know what I think is overkill?
Another mall with yet another drive-thru! For more speeding cars and gigantic, loud trucks which spew exhaust!
Truly, I have difficulty breathing, get a headache walking around and waiting for the bus. Duncan is a relatively small city, where are we going to cram “more more more”?
I believe we’re good on shopping malls, coffee and fast food joints.
How about hold that lunch full of nitrates and high fructose corn syrup, instead just hug a tree?
To answer Coun. Al Siebring’s question, “are we going to do environment assessments like this on all development applications?”
Well, obviously there are many other precedents that have to take place before going through major developments and decisions.
Let’s not be hasty and “nay” a crucial study and another hearing. Why completely disregard the existing environment?
“Yay!”, we actually do live in a rainforest, Coun. Al Siebring, so take into consideration the Douglas fir, Oregon ash and other species as Coun. Kate Marsh suggested.
Trees filter by intercepting airborne particles, absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide.
The trees in turn produce oxygen for us to breathe, as well as reduce heat, make shade and coolness, act as a windbreaker, clean the soil, control noise pollution, slow water run off and soil erosion and, as if that weren’t enough to appreciate them, trees increase property value!
Jennifer MacLean
Duncan