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Act now for a sustainable community

by Ken Glaze Thomas Wheeler describes a scenario in his “Act to save community” letter [August 17] that is probably not too unrealistic. As the world supply of oil runs low and prices rise, things will surely get more expensive here.

by Ken Glaze Thomas Wheeler describes a scenario in his “Act to save community” letter [August 17] that is probably not too unrealistic. As the world supply of oil runs low and prices rise, things will surely get more expensive here.

A road may be an option. But it is hard to imagine any government spending the money to build us a road. We chose to move here. And right now we don’t have much the rest of the province needs.

Wheeler again makes some interesting points in his viewpoint “Overland highway solves problems” [August 31]. But if it created more problems than it solved, our paradise could be lost.

It could very well be up to us to come up with the strategies for sustainability and make the investment to put them into action.

A few ideas:

• Create a North Sunshine Coast organic foods co-op meeting the lower mainland restaurant demand for quality organic produce, not to mention our own needs.

• Ship the produce out and bring in things we need with wind-assisted cargo catamarans. At least one design exists, although it’s a few years old and might look different if brought up to date.

• Start up our own co-op passenger ferry service with wind-assisted catamarans. The Coastal Ferry Act allows for it.

• Battery technology is finally progressing to the point where it’s not hard to imagine passenger and cargo wind-assisted catamarans with primary electric propulsion. Hybrids and diesel could bridge the gap till electric propulsion is cost effective.

• The new coastal transportation co-op could have electric cars at all destinations to serve those who need them. There could also be electric delivery/pickup vehicles for the cargo.

• Conceivably, the wind-assisted cargo/passenger catamaran design could be scaled to carry personal cars, RVs and commercial trucks.

• Another co-op could design and manufacture the carbon-free, sustainable passenger and cargo catamarans here in Powell River and sell them around the world. PRSC Limited Partnership has over 100 acres of marine industrial land adjacent to the mill site. Maybe PRSC would be interested in a partnership with locals to diversify our economy and create employment.

• Take it a step further and through another partnership. Help the mill to convert its operations into producing bio fuels.

Co-ops are excellent structures for enterprise that focus more on meeting common needs and strengthening community than just profits.

• Invest in our waterfront to provide fuel and services to attract the market that marches right by us every summer. Maybe we could come up with a historical architectural scheme for Marine Avenue to make it more interesting to stop, shop and dine.

Some of these ideas may seem far-fetched. And they may be, but I have to believe there are lots of ideas and we’ll be better off doing it ourselves, not leaving it to others. Transition Town Powell River has an interesting site full of ideas.

Ken Glaze is a resident south of town who escaped from the Lower Mainland to paradise four and a half years ago. Comments can be sent to kenglaze@shaw.ca.