Editor:
I recently received a thick envelope from BC Ministry of Attorney General, Legal Services Branch.
This doorstop-sized tome contained documents and an application to strike from nine notices of appeal that were filed previously by residents opposing the burning of rail ties.
Perusing the ministry’s arguments was a demoralizing and sad task — to experience the massive financial and legal resources of the province wielded against citizens who dared to stand up and be counted, in a quest to preserve the livability of our city. Some appellants grounds for appeal were likened to realm of busybodies.
Perhaps the province could be persuaded, in the spirit of natural justice, to provide a tiny fraction of the resources available to the ministry in opposition, to the appellants, who are in fact paying for the ministry’s opposition by way of taxes.
I was encouraged to read in the Weekend Advisor on Dec. 12 of Coun. Laurie Walters’ 11th-hour change of heart from the previous endorsement by council of the burning of creosoted rail ties. Perhaps the rest of council could experience this epiphany, however, I believe nothing is going to stop this train, figuratively speaking.
I realize no the lay of the land when it comes to citizens opposing big business and their own government — city council, the Cariboo Regional District and the province.
The only belated recourse of aggrieved residents are the next elections for all three levels of government, but by that time the rail ties will be burning merrily.
I fear council’s much ballyhooed “Republic of Life” may become a community to be avoided and shunned by prospective families and business from elsewhere looking for an affordable, healthy community.
John Pickford
Williams Lake
