Rush-rezoning
If the new China/Canada FIPA (Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement) treaty applies to bylaws, information we do not have, Powell River taxpayers could end up hemorrhaging cash [“Housing industry professionals oppose bylaw changes,” October 8].
Investors from China who purchased the Marine Inn may have a right to decide that these bylaw changes adversely affect their investment. The rezoning of adjacent lands allows activities that compete with those of the Marine. Under the FIPA treaty that came info effect October 1, an investor from China can sue for compensation from a government if it makes laws that reduce the investor’s anticipated profits.
The most controversial FIPA treaty Canada has signed to date, the China/Canada Investor Protection Treaty says that if a law is passed in Canada which reduces an investor’s anticipated profits in Canada, an investor from China can sue the government that passed that law. Naturally, the taxpayer pays. Three expensive international lawyers are selected to hear FIPA disputes (paid for by the taxpayer) and compensation is granted (paid for by the taxpayer). So far, these adjudications have always been decided in favour of the better-financed party.
Google FIPA treaty and Canada/China. Read. What do you think? Should council be rushing through the zoning changes next to the Marine Inn without considerable clarification of the risks involved?
Jill Goudriaan
Marine Avenue
Ballast water impact
I have read letters from many concerned citizens regarding coal storage and shipping from Texada Island and fully agree with their arguments against this plan and the negative environmental impacts [“Islanders occupy channel,” October 8.
However, no one seems to be aware of the possible impact of ballast water dumped before the ships are loaded, on our marine environment.
Will there be any inspectors to check the purity of the ballast water, transported from who knows where and what it might contain? I doubt that a corporate conscience exists.
Einar Jensen
Manson Avenue
Library
There are so many pros and cons about a new Powell River Public Library [“Library referendum question will be on civic ballot,” September 24].
I believe I have a solution. Why not use some of that money to build a nice facility for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia? After all, Powell River is known as a retirement community, and none of us are getting any younger.
A place where people could walk around and socialize with other residents: it could add a little meaning to their life. If Willingdon Beach were the spot, these folks could spend many hours watching people on the beach and boats and ferries on the ocean. Easy, inexpensive entertainment.
Hopefully, the provincial government would cough up the money to have it well staffed. It claims it has a priority to take care of BC seniors.
On the plus side, this would also eliminate some folks being sent away to Lion’s Gate Hospital, and Willow Pavilion at Vancouver General Hospital—so far from their loved ones and not to mention the hardship, and high cost of travel and accommodation for these families.
Marie McCaffrey
Collingwood Way
Talking tactics
Todd Stone, minister of transportation, arrives in Powell River with ferries full of praise for the abused travellers of Powell River for their sprit and suffering, and yet, the same minister, in the Province newspaper on September 28, 2014 called the Union of BC Municipalities’ report on ferry fares “irresponsible,” “unrealistic” and “unsubstantiated and sensational” [“Minister hears ideas for ferries,” October 1].
Did you vote Liberal?
Bill Ireland
Joyce Avenue
