Editor:
Re: Getting tired of Richmond’s input, Murphy`s Law, July 16
Your article begs for a response. The reason you may be "getting tired" is because you have not considered the facts, or the excellent work done by Richmond council.
First, every country in the world which has signed on to the International Maritime Organization as well as the International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators regulations makes it illegal to ship LNG in such dangerous conditions as intended on the Fraser River.
In the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has declared such a proposal "idiocy." Why? Well, take a look at the picture of the explosion in Beirut which destroyed its entire harbour, and has killed hundreds, with thousands injured.
The magnitude of that explosion is exactly what would happen on the Fraser, well within the dense population areas of Steveston and Ladner. The question is not "will" a tanker explosion happen, but rather with absolute certainty "when."
Is that what you are tired of? People trying to protect themselves, their homes and children from being burned alive? Kindly reconsider. So should Richmond Coun. Alexa Loo, apparently "clueless" about the issue.
Why is the LNG terminal expansion even being proposed on the Fraser? Simple answer: Because the U.S. refuses to allow such an incredibly dangerous development to occur in that country.
As for the jet fuel tanker farm, you should know full well that Richmond council has vigorously fought its installation since being announced, and that some councillors have even taken it to "the next level" by becoming members of citizens groups against the development.
The only reason that Richmond council approved the development permit is because the federal government has "eminent domain" and would be able to ultimately force the permit to be issued. Council wisely issued the permit to save taxpayers of Richmond potentially hundreds of thousands in legal fees for nothing. That was a good decision.
As for "non-stop" development, council is again doing an excellent job by increasing residential density instead of impinging on farmland. In regard to "farmland mansions" you should also know that Richmond council was among the first to petition our provincial government to restrict farm house size, and that Richmond led the province in stopping the construction of these mansions two years ago. With vigorous protection of farm land in Richmond, it would therefore seem reasonable for Delta to also protect farmland in regard to the Perimeter Road, doesn't it?
Finally, one more pint-sized local casino in Ladner will have no real effect on River Rock, the largest casino in B.C., and perhaps Western Canada. However, an influx of unnecessary traffic around the George Massey Tunnel will have a hugely negative effect on traffic movement, causing accidents, while creating snarled polluting traffic, and commercial vehicle delays. Put the casino in Ladner itself, if it’s such a good idea, but placement near the crossing is just plain nuts. Wisely, Richmond council clearly identified the issue, and responded as it should.
So here's hoping that you first do your homework before firing off any more uninformed frustration with Richmond. In particular, pay attention to the young upcoming leaders in Richmond council, who have the energy, education and professional experience to lead us today and in the future -- something which appears to be sorely lacking with tired old politics on the Delta Optimist side of the river.
J. Westerly
