First, the world is not going to come to an end as suggested by a member of the Squamish Nation. I trust we can agree on that. Next point, BC Ferries pass Bowen Island 80 TIMES A DAY and to my knowledge there have been no collisions. The fearful super tankers will pass Bowen only 3 TIMES PER MONTH, initially, but at no time will that number get anywhere near the 80 BC Ferries trips. That should ease the concerns of those that think little children paddling their canoes will be at grave risk. Why would little children be paddling in shipping lanes anyway?
I have read of no dreadful accidents from other ports around the world where LNG has been being shipped for years.
Compared to the old factory system that some of us remember very well there will be no filthy black smoke belching from the stacks at the proposed Woodfibre plant. There will be a small amount of particulate.
Compared to other parts of the world the citizens of BC enjoy a high degree of prosperity. We became prosperous because we are fortunate to have products that others want - forest products, minerals, seafood, and more recently LNG. Do none of the opponents believe in prosperity? Prosperity creates employment. Employment creates income not just for those employed at the plant, but for the dozens of spin-off industries as well – towboat operators, BC Ferry workers, bus drivers, merchants in Squamish, plumbers, carpenters, electricians.
So why the big fear about LNG in Howe Sound? The tourist industry will continue to thrive because nature (which we all cherish) will continue to flourish. BC Ferries is converting its ships to burn natural gas. I don’t have to remind you that natural gas is relied upon by thousands of people (not us on Bowen Island, unfortunately) to heat their homes, cook their food, and recently power their cars and trucks.
There will be risk. Risk is involved in everything we do. Risk will be managed. The last thing anybody wants - even the proponents of the LNG plant – is an accident. We are assured that every possible precaution will be taken.
Respectfully,
R. Gerry Sear
