Articles
1st May 2022
EDITOR
Greetings to all who visit our website,
VIWWC was awarded a Stage 1 grant from West Coast Environmental Law to attempt to find a way to protect the Cassidy Aquifer. Along with this grant, 40% of funds for our endeavour came from CUPE Local 401, who has been our funder and support system for the past seventeen years. The purpose of the grant was to obtain a legal opinion about concerns we have for the Aquifer. One of our member groups, NODRA (North Oyster Diamond Ratepayers Association) has been working side by side with us to work on all of this.
The Cassidy Aquifer is one of the largest, if not the largest aquifer on the island. This aquifer provides drinking water, agricultural land water and water for Harmac Pulp and Paper Mill in Area A of the Regional District of Nanaimo and Area H of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The aquifer has been determined to be highly vulnerable to contamination. Therefore, our concerns are increased greatly.
It appeared to us that it does not matter if there are Bylaws, OCP's or regulations in place, neither of the Regional Districts are adhering to anything that may be in place. We have to find ways to deal with the inadequacies within our systems that allow for our environment to be degraded. It is so unacceptable!
As we get ready to apply for a second stage grant, we will keep you apprised as we go through the process and make our determinations.
Attached are two letters that have been sent to each of the Regional Districts. These will let you know what the issues are. If you have any questions after reading these letters, please do not hesitate to ask.
We are hopeful that if meetings are arranged for the general public, that you will be at those to support our efforts. The first meeting on the airport lands is scheduled for May 12th, 6:00 p.m. at the North Oyster Community Centre, 13467- Cedar Road.
Keep your eyes peeled here for updates on our efforts.
VIWWC was awarded a Stage 1 grant from West Coast Environmental Law to attempt to find a way to protect the Cassidy Aquifer. Along with this grant, 40% of funds for our endeavour came from CUPE Local 401, who has been our funder and support system for the past seventeen years. The purpose of the grant was to obtain a legal opinion about concerns we have for the Aquifer. One of our member groups, NODRA (North Oyster Diamond Ratepayers Association) has been working side by side with us to work on all of this.
The Cassidy Aquifer is one of the largest, if not the largest aquifer on the island. This aquifer provides drinking water, agricultural land water and water for Harmac Pulp and Paper Mill in Area A of the Regional District of Nanaimo and Area H of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The aquifer has been determined to be highly vulnerable to contamination. Therefore, our concerns are increased greatly.
It appeared to us that it does not matter if there are Bylaws, OCP's or regulations in place, neither of the Regional Districts are adhering to anything that may be in place. We have to find ways to deal with the inadequacies within our systems that allow for our environment to be degraded. It is so unacceptable!
As we get ready to apply for a second stage grant, we will keep you apprised as we go through the process and make our determinations.
Attached are two letters that have been sent to each of the Regional Districts. These will let you know what the issues are. If you have any questions after reading these letters, please do not hesitate to ask.
We are hopeful that if meetings are arranged for the general public, that you will be at those to support our efforts. The first meeting on the airport lands is scheduled for May 12th, 6:00 p.m. at the North Oyster Community Centre, 13467- Cedar Road.
Keep your eyes peeled here for updates on our efforts.
(Regional_District_of_Nanaimo_Board_and_Staff_4_.docx)