Dear Editor:
Re: Bulk Grain, Potash Exports Hit New Records, Feb. 24 news story.
The president and CEO of Port Metro Vancouver, Robin Silvester, thinks the proposed G3 export grain terminal is “a good story.”
How can the public have any confidence that the port is conducting an objective evaluation of G3’s application when the president, months in advance of its approval, is unabashed in his support of the proposal and more port development?
Does the port not have an obligation to the residents of North Vancouver to conduct a meaningful, impartial review of the G3 terminal proposal? Is it not good, ethical business practice to publicly share the concerns that have been raised by residents and local governments and then commit to addressing those major concerns?
This should be Mr. Silvester’s primary responsibility – ensuring neighbourhoods and businesses in close proximity to any new proposed development continue to prosper. Many would agree this is not the outcome of much of the recent port expansion plans on the North Shore.
Mr. Silvester needs to understand that while he is concerned about encroaching residential development, many residents are concerned about the unconstrained power of the port and how each decision that is made affects us all for decades to come, whether we like it or not.
It’s time to make Port Metro Vancouver more accountable to the people so when it comes to a proposal like the G3 grain terminal, it doesn’t feel like a done deal before the so-called consultation phase even begins.
Sharie Loychuk
North Vancouver
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