A group of White Rock residents have formed their own opposition group to the proposed new Fraser Surrey Docks coal terminal.
Headed by Hannah Newman, the group next meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday (July 30) at First United Church, (15385 Semiahmoo Ave.) to discuss the health impacts of increased coal transport throughout the community.
The discussion will feature keynote speaker Dr. Frank James from Bellingham, Wash. who attended a similar meeting held by South Surrey residents in Ocean Park last month.
Newman said she decided it was necessary to create a separate White Rock group in order to address issues unique to the seaside city.
"We were going to the other meetings but we needed to focus on White Rock. We have a different city council, we have our promenade and so we have a slightly different focus," she said. "We're going to have our own petition to canvass in the White Rock area only."
The group met once already earlier this month, drawing a crowd of more than 90 residents who expressed concern and donated funds to support raising publicity on the matter.
The aim of the group is inform residents of possible negative impacts of the proposal and to have a "well-defined" statement from White Rock city council stating that it is not in favour of having the increased coal traffic come through. adjust this line for print: Newman plans to attend the city council meeting tonight – after Peace Arch News' deadline – as a delegation, asking the city to clarify their stance on the matter.
"The federal representatives, they tell us not to worry about it and it has a lot of people agitated. But my general sense tells me that council is onside," Newman said.