The following letter was submitted to The Chief for publication:
Dear Paul Martin, Peter McKay, Jack Layton, and anyone who will listen,
Re: CN toxic spill on Cheakamus River; need to commit resources to upgrade Railway Act
As you probably know, there was a toxic spill [caustic soda/Sodium Hydroxide-a highly corrosive liquid used in the pulp and paper industry] due to a derailed CN railcar in the Cheakamus River canyon just north of Squamish, BC, Aug. 6, 2005. As a resident of Paradise Valley immediately downriver from the spill location, and a business leader in my community, I am compelled to do whatever I can to ensure such a disaster does not happen again.
As a result of the spill, many concerns were voiced about CN's business practices and the ineffectiveness of the Railway Act in ensuring public safety and preventing environmental disaster. At a public meeting, September 14 in Squamish, CN was peppered with a number questions regarding their procedures: Is 144 cars too long on this stretch of railway? Should there be more frequent/encompassing maintenance on equipment, rail lines and locomotives? Was the decision to run the train irresponsible because of known mechanical problems observed in the yard in North Vancouver before heading north up the tracks? Do their engineers get training about the toxic materials they carry? Should toxic materials be transported through high-incident derailment areas or areas that are ecologically sensitive? Do they use double-walled cars when carrying toxic material? Would CN consider changing their practices while this incident is still under investigation? The questions continued along this vein and CN's response to every one of them was: "We adhere to federal guidelines. What more can we do?"
Guidelines should be a minimum requirement not a benchmark to leverage shareholder profit. And in the case of the Railway Act, the guidelines are inadequate, unsafe and irresponsible. We need to create policy with more teeth so government can legitimately go after negligent freight companies and improve safety measures along rail lines. Considering the movement of dangerous goods is a necessary evil, we need to make sure major railway companies treat safety regulations and diligent maintenance with the highest priority.
At the time of the toxic spill when the walls of dead fish swept downstream there were families along the beaches of the Cheakamus and Squamish rivers, fishermen wading waist deep in hopes of snagging a big one, campers enjoying the fresh air, rafters playfully getting their faces wet, and countless waterfowl, bear and other wildlife going about their daily routine. The fish population in the river at the time of the spill was virtually wiped out; the river scoured of everything from algae and invertebrates to salmon and steelhead. Fortunately it appears there were no human injuries due to this spill but that was just dumb luck or has yet to come to light. Had there been a death due to this spill there would be hell to pay, as was the case in California a few years ago. As a result, California recently updated their railway regulations significantly. We should do the same.
I'm asking you to radically update the Railway Act to reflect Canada's commitment to safety for its people, environment and economy. There have been 5 CN derailments in BC and Alberta alone since August 6, several of them toxic, and there has been a dramatic increase in the number of derailments in the past year. I hope you understand how important it is to completely re-conceive the Railway Act in a timely manner and with due consideration to what is best for the people of Canada. We need to commit the resources necessary now to prevent future disasters.
I look forward to hearing from you.Patricia Heintzman
President, Squamish Chamber of Commerce
Not proud of 'garbage-choked town'Editor,
The recent growth in development in and around Squamish has prompted some public support for increased environmental protection. The DOS has responded to these types of issues through the drafting of environmental bylaws, which will, when enacted, serve to provide a framework for the protection of a variety of environmental values within the community.Additionally there has been mainly positive reaction for the initiation this summer of a community wide Bear Aware program. However I believe that there is currently a significant bear/human and environmental threat that is being ignored in Squamish by both the public and by the local government.
As a resident of Dentville I enjoy the option of walking to the downtown core for shopping etc. I will often take the Discovery trail to Howe Sound Secondary and cross to downtown over the playing fields. Now with school back in session only two weeks, the entire area from the highway businesses through to the site of the new skate park is once again disgraceful garbage pit. Fast food containers litter the fields and school grounds. This refuse, due to the ever-constant Squamish wind, ends up in Wilson Slough and the adjacent wetland and forested areas. These areas are home to herons, ducks, songbirds, raccoons, deer coyote and the occasional bear.
The abundance of food garbage around the school will eventually attract bears, a bad situation that could become extremely dangerous as school children and bears are never a good mix. Also, the fouling of a unique urban wetland area that has had significant district capital spent to enhance flows and promote the return of fish stocks is unacceptable.
A significant amount of trash also ends up in my yard and in that of my neighbours. I fear that the completion of the new skate park will only serve to make the problem worse. I however do believe there are solutions to this problem that can be implemented if those responsible for this disgusting mess are willing to recognize the problem. The highway businesses that are the main source of garbage should act as responsible corporate citizens and promote a policy of reduced packaging waste. They should also provide increased garbage disposal sites on and around their property.
Howe Sound Secondary Administrators and District of Squamish also need to step up and ensure proper bear proof garbage containers are installed around the school grounds, including playing fields and around the youth centre and new skate park. Currently there are only two open barrel cans and an unlocked open dumpster that I have seen on school grounds. These are also favoured by the ravens that pull out and spread around what little trash does make it into the cans. The school administration also has a role to play that includes not only education but promotion of community and school spirit as well. As good neighbours the school administration should initiate campus cleanups by the students so that those living nearby or visiting our little town are not subject to the refuse generated by the school Perhaps students might even take pride in a clean campus.
Most importantly the students themselves have to care. That is the hard part. Most probably litter because everyone else does, they don't really think about it or give a second thought to where their garbage is going when they just toss it aside.
To the students, faculty, administration and fast-food business owners, all I can say is "think". Do you want to live in a foul little garbage-choked town? Are you proud of our garbage filled streets, streams and woods? Me neither.
A. Litz
Dentville
Homelessness disgraceful
Editor,
What about housing for the poor?
The big brand new Adventure Centre, three million is quite beautiful, and shows how progressive Squamish is to the tourists. But, what about the people living in the bushes and on the rivers, because they can't afford the high cost of renting? All the high cost rentals in town just to pay down someone's mortgage and letting the poor pay for their rich lifestyle. Where is the heart? Why are we letting the poor in our own town suffer, with nowhere to go? We need more low-cost housing to be built in Squamish. I would like to see the mayor and council address this problem.
There are lots of people with jobs that are paying only $8 an hour and after they take off income tax, there is not much left over, how can they pay these high rental costs of $600 - 1000 a month?
Around town there are condos being built and that is all you see. We need more rental units that can house the poor and the working poor. Maybe we could have a bus tour for the tourists and show where lots of people are living in the great wide-open spaces. It is not nice to be out in the cold when winter is on the way. People have been helping when folks lost everything in New Orleans, when are we going to do something about low-cost housing for our neighbours right in our own backyard?
Please people; write to our government for housing for the poor, the homelessness in Canada is disgraceful. Everyone needs a place ever so humble to call home.
Jean Pettersen
Squamish
No-Sharia decision applauded
Editor,
As Canadian citizens (and former residents of Hamilton-Burlington, Ontario) we applaud the personal courage of Ontario's Premier and the collective wisdom of his caucus in making a decision against religious arbitration in Ontario.
We fully agree that religious arbitrations threaten our "common good" as envisioned and guaranteed under the Canadian Charter.
We maintain that the essence of the Religion of Islam (which is our faith in private life) is that all humans are created from a single source and as such have equal rights. Therefore the Canadian Charter, which guarantees equality in every respect, is as Islamic as any legal document can be had in a society.
Politically, the challenge is to invite the supporters of Sharia law to embrace the universal principles of the Canadian Charter and apply them in both private and religious domains.
Zia and Mohammad Afsar
Squamish
Whippet owner wishes she were here
The following letter to Mayor Ian Sutherland was copied to The Chief for publication:
I would very much like to thank you, your council, and your staff for the incredible generosity you showed in making the events held over the weekend of August 26-28, 2005 a reality. The stunning beauty of your surroundings, the quality of your park & recreational facilities and the friendly reception we received from the citizens of Squamish resulted in a most memorable occasion. I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed an event more than this one. It was a spectacular success! There is no doubt in my mind that it will be talked about amongst whippet racers for many years to come.
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to visit your lovely area. Traveling to Squamish was such a thrill for me. Given the chance to resettle anywhere in the world, your lovely town would be #1 on my list of choices (In fact, I'd give my right arm for one more breakfast at Cheekye's!). And, if I am ever lucky enough to have a chance for a return visit, I will jump right on a plane, and with a lot more money in my pocket!
The artwork produced by your local craftsmen is very special.
You can bet that I will be encouraging people to consider travel to your area especially for the upcoming 2010 Olympics. Again, thank you for your efforts to support the NAWRA/NOTRA whippet racing nationals. I had a wonderful time.
Donna Rotman Miner
Domino Whippets, Coventry, CT
Soap box organizers thankful
Editor,
Thank you to all who came out in support of the Soap Box Derby for Diabetes on Saturday, Sept. 3.
The support of the volunteers, the sponsors and the participants made the event a success and $1,000 was raised for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Special thanks to Mountain FM, The Chief, The Question, The Pique, Shaw Cable, Connections Message Centre, CMW Insurance Services, Save-On Foods, the District of Squamish, School District #48, Primo Roofing, Diamondhead Garage Doors, Whistler Irrigation, Whistler Glass, Precision Painting, Terracraft Landscaping, Out on a Limb Landscaping, Cutting Edge Signs, ServiceMaster, Garibaldi 5 Stadium Cinemas, Boston Pizza, Canadian Tire,Movie Gallery, Garibaldi Tire, Sea to Sky Stables and the volunteers Denise & Kyle, Alex & Sue, Ron, Erin, Julie, Shanon, Heather, Ryan, Travis, Liz, Yves, Greg, Kenny, Ollie and Matt.
We are already working on the next event in June 2006. See you there!
Glenn Worrod
Soapbox Derby for Diabetes
Letters Policy
The Chief welcomes letters to the editor.
Send your letters:
BY E-MAIL to [email protected]
BY FAX to 604-892-8483BY MAIL to Box 3500, Squamish, BC, V0N 3G0
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The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday's edition. All letters must be signed and include a phone number for verification plus the name of the writer's hometown or neighbourhood. Unsigned letters will be discarded.
