Editor:
After living in the coastal area of Prince Rupert and Kitimat for a number of years, I believe I have more than a working knowledge of the dangers and vagaries facing shipping in these waters.
Our federal government is persistent in its ambition to push through a pipeline from Alberta to Kitimat and establish Kitimat as an oil loading terminus.
So far, the present B.C. Liberal premier and their opposition have been mysteriously silent regarding this proposal.
Our premier has said it will create lots of jobs, but has she actually flown over the gauntlet of islands and reefs that the tankers will be forced to navigate in and out of Kitimat?
The majority of citizens believe that the Exxon Valdes that created that horrific oil spill in Alaskan Coast waters is a super tanker. Actually, it is classed as a mid-size tanker measuring 967 feet in length and 166 feet in beam [width].
Consider an actual super tanker like the Jahre Viking at 1,504 feet long and 226 beam [width], then if you have Google earth in your computer, look up Kitimat and follow Douglas Channel west past Gill Island, where the BC Ferries Queen of the North lies in 1,400 feet of water. The tanker will then have to navigate the south side of Gill Island then past Campania Island before going out into Hecate Straight.
This has to be an incredible recipe for a disastrous oil spill close to many aboriginal villages, as well as the home of the white kermode spirit bear.
Harper and Flaherty are continuously honking about creating jobs. If they are sincere in this belief, then they should be promoting the establishment of oil refineries where this oil could be refined to finished products and sold wherever.
Don Harrison
Ladysmith
