Relocate the jobs, don’t desecrate the estuary
Re: “Rezoning Cowichan Bay Terminal should be approved”, (Citizen, Feb. 13)
Why should the rezoning of Westcan Terminal not be approved? Simply, because of serious concerns about the future health of our priceless Cowichan Estuary, a globally significant area for congregations of trumpeter swans and concentrations of ducks and other waterbirds! If rezoning is approved, any type of manufacturing industry could potentially settle in the estuary, possibly making it much worse with dire consequences for these bird populations and for future generations who treasure them.
Have we not heard that the current business has already moved most of its operations and employees to a more suitable land-based industrial site in Chemainus? How can the CVRD legalize what has been in non-compliance with CVRD bylaws for years? What message would that send to law-abiding citizens? What if there are toxic substances running into the estuary and polluting the mud flats where Sandpipers feed? What about the sea ducks that feed on oysters and clams, are they eating contaminated food?
The two other local companies which manufacture and assemble similar metal and concrete products are located on land and not in the estuary. The estuary land might be cheap, but then perhaps the government has not caught on that estuary land is invaluable for the many ecosystem functions like flood control, water filtration and bird habitat, salmon and clams.
It is time to stand up for the birds, for the Cowichan people who historically depended on crabs, salmon and clams, for our grandchildren in our highly vulnerable and totally irreplaceable estuary. Relocate the jobs, don’t desecrate the estuary!
Peter Scheiler
Cowichan Bay birder for 43 years