Editor's note: This letter was sent to Squamish's mayor and council. It was forwarded to The Chief for publication.
I recently took time to go online and view the District of Squamish Transportation Committee Meeting videos. I was quite stunned to hear the proposed Seventh Avenue Connector truck route being talked about as if money was the only problem with the proposal! It was even called the most "sensible" option by one of our councillors! Can someone please tell me what is sensible about destroying a wetland? While it is true there is a clause in the Wildlife Management Plan to accommodate a transportation corridor, it is on an "if and when required" basis, a fact not quoted by the committee chair at the meeting. To date, it is not required; the current truck traffic does not justify it, and the WMA plan is now 10 years out of date. It was the best compromise we had at the time and hopefully we are 10 years smarter now. Like most of the residents in town, I believe this proposal has nothing to do with trucking and everything to do with requirements to get the Oceanfront lands developed.
Destroying a wetland or estuary is morally and environmentally irresponsible at any time. I would refer everyone to look at Campbell River and see what is being accomplished in another resource town where the municipal will is there: www.campbellriver.ca/your-city-hall/green-city/environmental-protection/campbell-river-estuary/ Make sure to click on the video link "The Amazing Makeover of Campbell River Estuary."
So while other communities are repairing the damage to their estuaries, understanding their importance and protecting them, we are still considering putting a substantial dike and double-wide road through and destroying ours. This proposal needs to be taken off the table once and for all.
I encourage all of you to make this an election issue this fall and to make your views known to our current council at [email protected].
Mary Mitchell
Squamish
