Foreshore expansion a bad idea
Dear Ministry of Forests, via West Coast Land Referrals:
I strongly object to the foreshore expansion proposal by the Malahat Nation (Crown Land File #0336205).
I urge our Ministry of Forests, West Coast Land Referrals, to reject this application that could potentially be toxic and noxious to nearby residents, our sensitive Saanich Inlet, its adjacent lands and waters, plus its flora and fauna.
My concern focusses on foreshore expansion that could potentially extend 100 metres farther into our eco-sensitive Saanich Inlet and cover some 25 acres of ocean.
My fears surround the potential environmental impacts of using the expanded area to import and export contaminated soils, storage of hydrocarbons, and for boat and barge maintenance.
I worry this expansion may also usher anchoring of derelict boats and larger ships unwanted off Cowichan’s shores.
As proof of my fears, I note the Malahat First Nation has responded this year to several reported spill incidents from vessels in our precious Inlet, according to the Cowichan Valley Citizen newspaper (Oct. 27, 2022).
The threatened Bamberton area of Mill Bay-Malahat must be preserved and protected. Any further development, involving land or sea, must be done with surgical precision plus logical thinking, beyond profits and jobs.
Thank you in advance MOF for considering rejection of this unwelcome industrial application foreshadowing further local environmental degradation, and property devaluation.
Peter W. Rusland
Duncan