The people, not special interest groups should make decisions
Re: Logging and Western Stevedoring
I suggest we take a pause and really think about the consequences of the actions put forward by the special interest groups in the Cowichan Valley/Victoria including the City of Duncan and with several North Cowichan council members about:
1. Logging in North Cowichan Timberlands,
2. Western Stevedoring/Tidal Harmony Holding’s rezoning application to the CVRD.
It might be a surprise to newcomers to the area that the timberlands in the Cowichan Valley and North Cowichan timberlands have been logged before — some two or three time. The stopping of logging in North Cowichan timberland should be made by the voters in North Cowichan and not by some special interest groups. It should not be made by special interest individuals that are not voters in North Cowichan that are B.C. public sector workers/retirees whose pension fund owns TimberWest and Island Timberland.
The Western Stevedoring/Tidal Harmony Holding’s rezoning application to the CVRD for the Cowichan Bay Terminal seeks to align with CVRD bylaws. The business has been functioning since 1990. It might also be a surprise to newcomers to the area that there has been industrial activity in the area in question since 1890. Close to a 130 year environmental detailed study.
I strongly suggest to the silent majority of the Cowichan Valley area to get involved — those who work or worked directly or indirectly in the industry (or a descendant of) that helped build this valley today. We do not need special interest groups dictating their agenda. Elections have consequences like the $14 million dollars spent on the Referendum on Proportional Representation.
Neil Dirom
North Cowichan
