So the relocated asphalt plant is to be required to meet the provisions of the B.C. Clean Air Act. A most admirable objective.
Regrettably, the chances of a small batching plant, running intermittently, containing its emissions to the standards necessary for operation next door to a residential area are slim. It's technologically possible, of course. In Europe, multinational companies operate chemical plants of various types in the most unlikely places and I'd bet that in most cases, little chemical or particulate matter would be detectable anywhere outside the perimeter fence. But control of emissions is a highly demanding business. The technological, financial and operational resources needed are extensive. Large chemical multinationals can theoretically do the job. The hurdles faced by small operators trying to achieve the same results are frequently insurmountable. Their pockets are simply not deep enough and the exercise becomes un-economic.
I don't want to get into the nitty gritty of who said what and when, but it is abundantly clear that the local bureaucracy has not covered itself in glory on this occasion. And it is a pity that the reaction of senior officials, as publicly reported, has been to tough it out. A modest mea culpa would have been more appropriate. Nonetheless, the bottom line is quite clear. A residential suburb has been created. This land use is quite incompatible with adjacent operation of an asphalt batching plant. The plant will have to go. The only issue is how and when. Or rather, how and how soon. The RMOW would be well advised to focus its collective intellect on the inevitable solution.
Tony Hetherington
Whistler
Enough already
From a future Cheakamus resident: STOP complaining!
My husband and I have been lucky enough to purchase a home in the Cheakamus Crossing community. We realize how lucky we are. We'll be living in one of the most beautiful places in Canada, have access to some of the best recreational activities, and in my eyes our very own luxury condo. All of this at a fair and reasonable price.
We've been given an amazing gift and we're truly thankful! I'd like to think everyone felt this way but all we seem to hear is whining and complaining about the asphalt plant. It was there long before the neighbourhood was built and we all knew about it when we signed the papers and if you didn't, well then you didn't read the contract before signing and you have no one to blame but yourselves.
Stop and look around you. You live in Whistler! WHISTLER! People from all over the world pay thousands of dollars to visit this beautiful place and you're lucky enough to not only call it home but purchase a home here.
Now if you don't want to live near the asphalt plant, then don't. No one's forcing you and there are plenty of other places to live.
Here's an idea: move out of Whistler for a while and then maybe you'll realize how lucky you were to live here!
We're proud of our new neighbourhood, asphalt plant or no asphalt plant. We'd like to be able to tell people about our future home without them thinking we're ungrateful whiners. We could be paying more then twice what we're paying if we bought outside the Whistler Housing Authority.
This opportunity we've all been given is a gift. Instead of complaining about it, try saying thank you!
Cheryl Erickson
Pemberton
A move that saves taxpayers
Our Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Barratt, mentioned to me during one of our friendly meetings involving Cheakamus Crossing's asphalt plant that his responsibility was to Whistler's taxpayers. I agree.
So in our nine-month quest so far I have another tax-saving idea for him. This suggestion comes in the way of correspondence with the Honorable Minister of Community and Rural Development Mr. Ben Stewart. He wrote, "for example, municipal council could zone land at a different location that would permit uses such as an asphalt plant."
I feel that Alpine Paving already has found a better spot. Twin Rivers. There's a scale, power lines, quarry, no bridge to worry about. It's located approximately 7.5 km north of Emerald and approximately four kilometres from the new Wedge Woods development.
I am no expert but four kilometres with prevailing winds going in the opposite direction of people sounds better than 415 metres in a valley with an estimated 1,200 people.
The good news is with Alpine Paving partnering in the Twin Rivers Quarry recently the negotiations for the space for the plant should go smoothly. All the requirements are the exact same as what we're dealing with today: zoning. Mr. Barratt can save a few tax dollars as there wouldn't be a need to use $400,000 (whatever it is for).
We should have thought of this sooner to have saved the consulting fees of Jasper Projects Ltd as well. At least Jasper let us know it would cost $30,000-$60,000 to move the "mobile" plant on wheels. Considering I read that Alpine Paving has been operating the plant illegally all these years at a profit, let's just call the moving costs... even!
Tim Koshul
Whistler
Deadly fashion statements
I was driving home Wednesday night around 10:30, just when it got dark, and I was flabbergasted to count no less than about seven people who apparently gave up on life. Either that, or this is some new thrill-seeking fad that started up recently: walking or biking along the highway in dark clothing at night.
I don't get what would make someone think it's a good idea. Is this phenomenon caused by the fashion trend of wearing a toque in this heat? Or is this mass hysteria of some sort? A new cult?
You know what, don't tell me. I don't care. Just stay off the highway at night! Or wear proper reflective gear if you're going to do it anyway.
Maybe try using your head for more than a hat accessory.
Victor Lezu
Whistler
Animals' needs same as ours
I want to voice my strong support for the dog sweep at Mount Currie on July 29-30 2010. I can understand some of you have concerns but the larger picture also has to be looked at as well.
As an animal owner you are responsible for the care, up keep and training of those animals. They are to be treated with the respect they deserve. Pets can not speak to us and tell us what their needs are, but if you break down what your needs are it is the exact same - food, water, shelter.
Now, are ALL the dogs that are running loose up at Mount Currie receiving the care they need? Probably not, or the local shelters here would not be so full. An animal is in distress, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act), if it is: deprived of adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation, space, care or veterinary treatment; injured, sick or in pain or suffering; or abused or neglect. Also the definition of "abandoned animal" includes an animal that (a) is apparently ownerless, (b) is found straying, (c) is found in a rental unit after expiry of the tenancy agreement, (d) if a person agrees to care for an animal and the animal is not retrieved from that person within four days following the end of that agreement. How many of those are suitable in this situation?
Other B.C. laws that would also be relevant can be viewed at: http://www.spca.bc.ca/cruelty/legislation/pca-act.html
All of that aside for now, the number one reason why I support this movement, my dog and his entire "family" as well as countless friends' dogs came from a bad situation at Mount Currie. Knowing that other dogs like my own could be in trouble is prompting me to donate my time to WAG to help out with this.
We are not out to steal your family's dogs; it can be as basic as tying a knot to keep your dogs home safe and sound. So please be responsible dog owners, keep them safe, feed them, water them, give them shelter and walk them. If anyone is not willing to be a responsible owner, make it easy on the dog, cat, fish, turtle and call WAG or PAWS to rid you of the "inconvenience" of having to care for an animal.
Chris McKirdy
Pemberton
