Opinion

Dear SCRD Directors: First, we are dismayed to read in Coast Reporter that the SCRD board as represented by Bryan Shoji is blaming “environmentalists” for the current water shortages (“Emergency water plan in the works,” Aug. 21).

Editor: It is outrageous that Lower Gibsons is on Level 4 water restrictions when its aquifers are full! It sounds to me like one of those bad jokes – i.e.

Editor: Venting on local municipal politicians over the watering restrictions due to drought is understandable but it may be helpful to take a more global perspective.

Editor: Re: “Massive water nearby” and “Why water meters?” (Letters, Aug.

Editor: The current crisis with our water supplies has focused attention on what, if any, are the limits to growth in our communities.

Editor: The regional district said that water meters will reduce water usage. I’m not sure how much more we can reduce. I think that most Coasters are well aware of the potential water shortage every summer.

Editor: I find it quite ironic that some people in Mayor Milne’s election camp used the slogan “flush the John” and yet he is one of the players that have put us in the position where we are now advised not to flush the john.

Dear Mayor Milne and Councillors: The proposed $5.2-million metering plan will not solve our water supply problem.

Editor: “User pay” is always an easy answer: toll roads, gasoline tax, water meters – in the hoary rubric of “supply and demand.” Raise the price and they will use less.

Editor: I am responding to the recent article regarding the beautiful garden/farm on Pratt Road in Gibsons (“Food producers fear loss of livelihood,” Aug. 21).