The Future of Howe Sound Society’s mission is conservation and stewardship of Howe Sound for current and future generations.
We are not alone in believing a holistic plan is needed for the Howe Sound Region.
In the meantime we encourage public engagement in project proposals to push for honest and sustainable practices in order to protect the ongoing recovery of our eco-systems.
This proposed gravel mine project is within the Sunshine Coast Regional District and is currently zoned rural. A rezoning is required to allow for the rock crushing activity.
We have been following Burnco’s proposal since the property was purchased in 2008 and much more background and context about this project can be found on our website, futureofhowesound.org/category/campaigns/burnco.
The thought of the McNab Valley delta area, which feeds into a productive and valuable estuary in Howe Sound, would be mined for its non-renewable resource is offensive to many.
This valley has had its share of logging, but the area is rich with wildlife, many being species at risk. The McNab Creek is such an important and productive area for fish and wildlife that Department of Fisheries and Oceans had rejected disturbance of the area in the past more than once.
The compensation channel Burnco is drawing attention to was built in two parts. The first section in the 1990s to offset damage to fish located in a different valley caused by the pulp and paper company at Port Mellon. The extension was built between 2001 and 2003.
Burnco’s plans may improve on the manmade channel extension, but the gravel operation will need to compensate for damage to the natural and very productive fish habitat areas.
In July 2011, Department of Fisheries and Oceans wrote to Burnco saying “the options for adequate fish habitat compensation within McNab Creek or even the greater Howe Sound area are severely limited and may not allow the proposed development to meet DFO’s fish habitat policy objectives including the “No net loss guiding principle”.
The Box Canyon Run of the River project located above this gravel mine site has just come on-line. It has disturbed the natural flows from three creeks that feed the McNab Creek. Time will tell as to what the long-term effects will be on the environment since the Box Canyon project escaped an environmental assessment when changes were made to the Fisheries Act.
Howe Sound has the unique opportunity to be a world leader and educator for best practices in development and conservation.
We have the opportunity to protect the natural capital of this beautiful area for generations to come but we need to think critically and engage meaningfully.
We believe Howe Sound can be recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. See our website for more information.
Ruth Simons
Executive Director
Future of Howe Sound Society
