Burnco has been approved... here's what you can do
March 21, 2018
Tracey Saxby
The Provincial Government has just rubber stamped the Burnco gravel mine, demonstrating yet again that public engagement really is meaningless and the environmental assessment process is truly broken.
Despite nearly 4,000 letters to Minister Heyman and Minister Mungall asking them to review the environmental assessment for Burnco thus far, your concerns have been ignored.
Estuaries are vital for our wild salmon, and the endangered Southern Resident Orcas that depend on them. The Burnco gravel mine threatens one of only three estuaries we have in Howe Sound. Given the proximity of alternative, undeveloped gravel resources, why should this gravel mine be permitted in such a vitally important and sensitive ecosystem?
TAKE ACTION!
The Ministers need to hear from you. Call them to let them know that you are disappointed, disillusioned, and disheartened that they approved the Burnco gravel mine. Tell them that they should have done better than this. Hold them accountable.
Call Minister George Heyman: (250) 387-1187
Call Minister Michelle Mungall: (250) 953-0900
TIPS TO MAKE A PHONE CALL
- Make a plan to call during business hours. All you need is 2 minutes.
- Prepare what you want to say. Write a few notes to stay on topic.
- Ask the staff person to write down your name and number. Ask for a call back.
- Be polite and respectful.
OUR NEXT STEPS
Sadly, this decision didn't come as a surprise to us, but there are still many hoops that Burnco has to jump through, including obtaining many other federal, provincial, and local government permits. This project has been turned down twice before due to concerns about the impacts on wild salmon, and while the Federal Government has recently announced that the Fisheries Act will be restored, it may be too late to save McNab Creek.
Wild salmon are a vital part of our west coast culture. But we can't protect wild salmon if we don't protect wild salmon habitat. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter of My Sea to Sky so we can continue this critical campaign to stop the Burnco gravel mine and protect McNab Creek.
Tracey Saxby
Volunteer Executive Director, My Sea to Sky
My Sea to Sky is incredibly proud and grateful to say that we rely on the My Sea to Sky community for small donations that provide the majority of our funding. Since our launch in 2014, we have been funded through personal savings, family and friends; and 100% powered by the passion of our volunteers from 2014-2016. Your generous contribution will help us to run our critical campaigns to protect Howe Sound. Every dollar helps.