Editor:
How many people in White Rock appreciate the implications of Fraser Surrey Docks’ proposal to build a new coal export terminal?
I have seen firsthand the big increase in coal trains heading to Roberts Banks passing along our beautiful waterfront promenade in the last few years. How is it that the City of White Rock has not taken a more active stand on this issue? With all the ongoing effort into improving our waterfront, doesn’t anyone think that hourly coal trains might just detract from the ambiance?
If the new coal-export terminal is approved, there will be even more coal trains passing through White Rock with no obvious benefit to the residents of White Rock.
I have noticed that residents in towns and cities south of the border – e.g. Bellingham – have a campaign, “No Coal Trains,” to try to stop the development of a coal port at Cherry Point, Wash. These people, supported by their elected officials, are not in favour of the increase in coal-train traffic nor the side effects of passing coal trains – noise/dust pollution.
This is completely opposite to the situation north of the border, where it seems not even a whisper has been voiced by White Rock council as a result of this ever-increasing coal train traffic. Maybe instead of “My City by the Sea” our motto should be “My City includes Coal Trains.”
Hannah Newman, White Rock