Re: “Protesters rally against soil permit,” May 14.
As a resident of Shawnigan Lake, I was proud of the protesters who attended the rally on Wednesday. I was also amused by the recent comments of Mike Kelly, representing South Island Aggregates, who remarked: “This is now entirely a political issue, and because of this, we have no intention of fighting the outspoken few that are contesting our permit and our business plans.”
Like many other volunteers who canvassed Shawnigan Lake residents seeking support to rescind the profit-driven permit, I visited about 100 homes. In total, 96 adult homeowners signed the petition without hesitation.
This is not simply a “political issue.” It is a serious environmental issue that is overwhelmingly protested by a huge majority of Shawnigan Lake community residents who vote along all party lines, including Liberal.
I applaud those 15,339 “outspoken few” people who signed the petition calling on the government to rescind the petition.
Political leaders are allowed to reconsider decisions. That would not be not a sign of weakness but of reflection, strength and stewardship.
Ian Ritchie
Shawnigan Lake
