These industries created jobs and careers that stimulated and fueled our economy. Our restaurants were full, retail stores flourished and families could put down roots that would last for generations. The jobs that these industries created allowed for these families to work, buy homes, cars and shop, all within the community.
The loss of these industries resulted in a shift in tax burden and lifestyle. We no longer have tax contributions from manufacturing or the service industry. Our tax base is no longer diverse or stable. Businesses and residents are paying more municipal tax than ever, with further increases pending. Our restaurants, stores and longtime businesses are suffering or are gone.
Squamish has an opportunity to add more than $2 million to its tax base by simply saying yes to a clean energy project that will bring 100 permanent jobs to Squamish. These are jobs that will support 100 families. We’re not talking about minimum wage jobs in chain restaurants or minimum wage jobs in the tourism industry.
Woodfibre LNG is going to build an export facility that will supply Asia with the natural gas needed to ease their dependency on coal fired power and industry. The pollution being generated in Asia, lands right here in our front yard. The greenhouse gasses being pumped into the air in Asia are having a global impact.
Burning natural gas and continuing to use power generated through hydro projects, solar energy, wind farms, geothermal and other sources make better sense. Technology is improving to make renewable energy more prominent. Saying no to Woodfibre LNG is the same as condoning the massive greenhouse gas infusion that is currently created in Asia.
Residents around Howe Sound need to know that Woodfibre LNG has taken steps to ensure impacts from the operation will be minimal. Woodfibre LNG will be good for our region, good for B.C. and most certainly give Squamish an economic heartbeat, which has long been missing. The sky won’t fall when LNG exports begin from Woodfibre.
Dan O’Kane
Squamish
