Missing out Texada
I continue to find it amazing that Powell River never acknowledges Texada Island in any way whatsoever [“Tourism group earns award,” July 17]. Powell River Tourism wins a trophy “recognizing its ability to work with others.” Well they fail to work with Texada as there is rarely any mention of the island and little to no promotion of it to Powell River tourists.
The article goes on to mention that the partnership prize acknowledges the ties Sunshine Coast Tourism has created with its members in the community. Well, surprise, Texada Island is part of the Sunshine Coast and is a unique and beautiful place to visit. One would think these groups would be happy to bring the island into their marketing plans. It only adds to the allure of the entire Sunshine Coast.
It would appear Powell River has not matured enough in the 28 years I’ve lived on Texada, to be able to acknowledge and promote the island in an inclusive manner and I find that both sad and frustrating.
Linda Holmes
Van Anda, Texada Island
Stop the coal proposal
Why would a provincial government that requires all municipal and local governments to spend time planning to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions, and to buy offsets for those it can’t eliminate, allow such a ginormous and blatant mountain of low-quality coal to be exported through our province [“Coal-handling plans inadequate,” July 17]? To stimulate the economy?
I was told by the project manager on Texada Island, it will produce no additional jobs there, and maybe a handful at Fraser Surrey Docks.
With the towing of the barges that will spew the dust into the ocean and onto those of us in the region, we’ll all suffer from the increasing, and more likely catastrophic, climate change: sea level rise; more frequent and stronger storms, rainfalls, droughts, flooding, et cetera; increasing acidification of the ocean. We’ll also be allowing the pollution of the ocean and its creatures with tonnes of coal dust. We’ll end up breathing and eating it ourselves, and so will our children and grandchildren.
It’s a totally irresponsible and stupid proposal and needs to be stopped.
Peter Johnston
Lasqueti Island
Backcountry trail
I suggest that rather than advocate an impractical, economically unjustifiable road to Pemberton, the Third Crossing group build a trail with commercially available truck and ATV access from either end in order to create an adventure tourist hiking route through this beautiful and inaccessible part of the coast mountains [“Highway to Squamish?” July 24]. Find a practical way to invite hardy visitors into this backcountry that you enjoy with such passion.
Ted Crossley
Hammond Street
Coal 101
Kevin Washbrook is a modern-day hero [“Coal-handling plans inadequate,” July 17]. His full-time vocation is to instill common sense and good judgement in all of us.
For the past two decades, Texada Island has received metallurgical coal. This is used in the manufacturing of steel and is otherwise known as a hard coal. Thermal coal is light, airy, dusty and toxic. It is otherwise known as a soft coal.
Have you ever stopped and actually asked yourself why Portland, Seattle and Vancouver are playing hot potato with this product? Trying to unbury our heads from the sand or remove our hands from our ears is particularly challenging when stubbornness and ego rear their ugly heads.
The choice is crystal clear. Listen to the wisdom that Washbrook is trying to impart on us or say goodbye to health not far from the present.
Steve Perkins
Blair Road, Texada Island
