Misinformation can hurt our children
Re: “CRD has a plan for biosolids management,” letter, Dec. 7.
The letter from Capital Regional District chair Colin Plant seems imprudent in attempting to give public comfort about the spreading of biosolids at Hartland.
Globally there is growing concern and opposition to the spreading of biosolids. Numerous reports by scientific researchers and government agencies clearly identify toxic metals, organic chemicals, prions, and potentially active viruses (including COVID) which may be found in biosolids.
It is dangerous to stand at the intersection of disposing of vast quantities of human waste while minimizing taxpayer costs and protecting the environment.
Plant expressed concern and discomfort about the spreading of biosolids at Hartland when writing to B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman in July. At that time, Plant’s concerns were expressed in explicit accordance with a motion passed by the CRD board.
Fifty years ago it was acceptable to promote using asbestos, or encouraging smoking. It took a while for governments and the public to realize that there were immense consequences to human health.
Biosolids contain toxic substances. Let us not spread either toxic substances or toxic misinformation and create a legacy of unnecessary pollution for our children and grandchildren.
Daniel Kenway
Willis Point
If you’re not sure, just use ‘they’
Re: “Not sure? Just call that person ‘it’,” letter, Dec. 8.
Two Spirit, trans and non-binary people are our friends, family and neighbours.
It’s essential to respect and use someone’s pronouns and, contrary to the suggestion in the letter, it costs us nothing.
The use of “it” in the published letter is harmful and dehumanizing and it should not be acceptable.
If you aren’t sure about someone’s pronouns, use they.
Consider sharing your pronouns and open space for others to share theirs.
Is this new to you? Worried about getting it wrong? Trans Care B.C. has helpful tools: phsa.ca/transcarebc/Documents/HealthProf/Gender_Inclusive_Language_General.pdf
Gender diverse people experience significant discrimination, more poverty, and are at a greater likelihood of being unhoused. They also experience higher rates of mental health challenges and suicide ideation and attempts.
Not because they are Two Spirited, trans or non-binary, but because of discrimination and transphobia.
I’m a proud ally and the Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. I know we can do better.
Grace Lore
MLA, Victoria-Beacon Hill
Museum has found a perfect home
There is an ideal opportunity to return the Maritime Museum of British Columbia to a permanent space. I can’t imagine a more appropriate use for this wonderful building and its historic provenance as a home for the museum on the water in our beautiful Inner Harbour.
Moreover, this presents an opportunity for the B.C. government to honour an agreement that obliges the government of the day to ensure a home for the museum and its fabulous collection.
Previous governments have either failed or ignored their responsibilities.
The historic CPR building would be the perfect forever home for the orphaned Maritime Museum.
Kevin M. Carlé
Victoria
Proposed building would be a landmark
Re: “The Ice Wars: Vancouver’s Ice Pick and Victoria’s Iceberg,” commentary, Dec. 10.
The commentary was less a researched, principled argument against the approval of the Telus Ocean project, than a breathless polemic full of misinformation and comparisons to a project in another city which are irrelevant in this local conversation.
Of the points lobbed, a few particularly stand out as cheap attempts to “score points” without providing context. For example, although the building as proposed is indeed higher than permitted within the present zoning, the building will sit below its neighbours to the north: hardly out of context.
Additionally, the claim that this project would not increase the number of Telus staff in Victoria is incorrect — it will approximately double the number of office staff based here.
More importantly, it would provide a technologically cutting-edge architectural landmark that would not only put Victoria on the map as a top innovation sector employment centre in the region but keep us there for years to come.
Finally, the claim that the building is not being designed with sustainability in mind is also off-base. LEED platinum, carbon neutral, solar shading, rooftop photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting will all be utilized to minimize environmental impact.
Moreover, when speaking of the embodied carbon and overall emissions generated, one need only to look at the present use of land — a parking lot — to see the past we must leave behind.
Telus Ocean represents the Victoria we should move toward.
Mitch Pardy
Fairfield
Ferry would relieve Mahalat congestion
While there may be some merit to adding rail and bus routes to and from the north Island to relieve the load on the Malahat, they will help only a small percentage of people who do not need their cars at destination.
Commercial traffic and general transportation of goods also needs help, especially with our reliance on the “just in time” supply process.
What seems to be missing from proposals is the obvious, and likely cheapest, which is a ferry.
Start with frequent and inexpensive runs between Nanaimo and Victoria and expand if feasible to start from Comox.
Both have existing berthing facilities and any addition to infrastructure would cost far less than new roads or rail.
A win-win for both foot passengers and vehicles, no issues with potential landslides or snow, and an environmentally safe solution.
George Zador
Victoria
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