Editor:
It is difficult to rationalize the strident public outcry over the proposed Burnco gravel mine at McNab Creek in nearby Howe Sound.
This operation will involve none of the areas mentioned. The creek with its salmon will still flow undisturbed down the east side of the mile-wide valley. The seashore with its steep drop-off will not be disturbed, allowing the “city slicker” to pursue his salmon, cod, crab and the wily cutthroat trout as before. The Roosevelt elk, not native to the area, will still have 14 miles of valley in which to roam. There will still be lots of room for the mushroom picker.
The mine will employ “only” 10 to 12 workers when it gets operational. These are steady, skilled, highly paid union jobs. It is a rule that one job in a basic industry supports three jobs in the local economy. At the present time the Sunshine Coast is desperately short of such employment.
By their very nature, mines must eventually work themselves out. In the 16 years of operation, Burnco will provide millions of tons of a product vital to the economy of B.C. and be a steady anchor in the economy of the Sunshine Coast. All this with an absolute minimum of environmental pollution.
To mark their passing they will leave behind a pristine fresh water lake close to tide water and abounding in trout, a rarity on the Coast. It would be only fitting if it were named Burnco Lake.
James R. Thomson, West Vancouver/Hopkins Landing
