Climate change refugees
Melting of Greenland’s ice sheet increased from 40 per cent to 97 per cent in only four days from July 8 through 12 of this year. This is called an extreme melt. Arctic sea ice is currently experiencing the biggest and fastest melt in history. The culprit is global warming.
This is particularly bad news for coastal communities with sea levels expected to rise up to six or seven metres if Greenland’s ice sheet was to fully melt and not refreeze.
Local elected officials need to demonstrate strong leadership skills by adopting a proactive approach to the most pressing issue of our time [“OCP proposals,” Council Briefs, September 19].
I suggest elected officials schedule meetings with their electorate to devise strategies to effectively deal with our adaptability/survivability as we meet these challenges head-on. SOS (steady ocean surge).
Steve Perkins
Blair Road, Texada Island
Facility impacts neighbourhood
I write with reference to the Peak article “Clinic offers clean alternative,” published on Wednesday, September 19. I am pleased to read that the drug and alcohol facility for male patients, south of town, is a success.
The additional boost to the Powell River economy is also good. Clients who can afford $550 per day for treatment will have cash to spend in town.
Is this a facility for those from out of town who can pay these high fees or can any Powell Riverites go for treatment?
The men’s facility is a purpose-built community on five acres of land with easy access from the highway.
As a resident of Traffe Road I can report the down side of living close to the women’s rehabilitation centre. The property does not have a septic system large enough to cope with nine clients plus staff. Raw sewage is held in a holding tank and pumped out every four to five days. The stench to the immediate neighbours is very unpleasant.
Another problem is the lack of water. To supplement the well water a large tanker arrives on a regular basis to boost the water supply. The tanker has to back along a road which is roughly six metres wide and where people walk dogs, children ride bicycles and mothers push strollers. This is not appropriate for a quiet residential neighbourhood.
I hope the success of the male facility does not lead to an extension of the Traffe Road centre.
As a caring community, as we are, there has to be a balance between care, on the one hand, and consideration for residents who appreciate the peace and serenity of Powell River on the other.
John Hogg
Traffe Road
