Editor:
As a full-time resident and landowner in Garden Bay, I wish to express my determined resistance to any expansion of our local landfill.
My main concern is the irreversible effects any leachate will have on our water supply, and I believe it is irresponsible to gamble with any expansion scenario that does not completely rule out possible future contamination of the aquifer.
The well water on our acreage property comes from the aquifers that connect our pristine lakes and creeks, as does much of our neighbours' water. We do not have a choice to rely on treated community water (it is not an option for those of us on Irvines Landing Road), and we are therefore very committed to keeping the aquifers safe.
Despite global awareness surrounding water scarcity and the urgency of this issue, it is bewildering that an expansion of the Pender Harbour landfill is even being considered when a transfer station option is available to us.
I am encouraged to learn the Town of Gibsons has been recognized by the United Nations-backed international awards for Liveable Communities for its commitment to managing the community's growth without disturbing the natural environment.
This is the standard that Pender Harbour must strive for if we hope to sustain the beauty of our community and create a future for generations to come.
Teresa Karbashewski
Garden Bay
