June 19. 2013 – Vancouver, BC
On Friday the Metro Vancouver board listened to the public and took a stand against coal port expansion after hearing 46 people discuss the proposal to build a coal transfer facility at Fraser Surrey Docks. The vote was overwhelmingly in favour of the motion to oppose further coal shipments in the Fraser estuary – only four directors voted against it.
June 19. 2013 – Vancouver, BC
On Friday the Metro Vancouver board listened to the public and took a stand against coal port expansion after hearing 46 people discuss the proposal to build a coal transfer facility at Fraser Surrey Docks. The vote was overwhelmingly in favour of the motion to oppose further coal shipments in the Fraser estuary – only four directors voted against it.
The vote came after board members were flooded with hundreds of emails from residents across the region including nearly 200 Dogwood supporters. People just like you have been fighting for months to have their rightful say in a decision that will affect your neighbourhoods, your health and your future.
Dr. Tim Takaro, a health sciences professor at Simon Fraser University and Dogwood Initiative supporter, was one of those speakers. He urged the board to help our society end its addiction to polluting fossil fuels like coal.
"We know it's harming us and, more importantly, future generations… but we can’t stop. We are asking the board to please help us kick the habit."
I was honoured to be in such great company among the many residents and community leaders who came to speak as delegations at the board meeting. We finally had a chance to speak directly to decision-makers and see how our input influenced a public vote.
Port Metro Vancouver still has the final say and yet refuses to hold public hearings or open up the decision-making process. However, Metro Vancouver's decision is a powerful statement from the regional government and the municipalities it represents that gives a huge boost to the growing pressure on the port to kill the Fraser Surrey Docks project.
The fight is not over yet but we’re thrilled with this victory. Hundreds more people, local and regional governments and public health and climate experts have been adding their voices, calling on Port Metro Vancouver to halt further expansion of coal exports in the Fraser Estuary. We hope you’ll stick with us.
With respect,
Laura Benson
Coal Campaigner
P.S. Metro Vancouver is also calling for detailed information on Port Metro Vancouver’s review process for coal expansions, as well as health impact assessments for any new coal terminals as requested by the Vancouver and Fraser Health authorities.