LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
- June 17, 2008
To the residents of Princeton and Area H;
Four years ago the Calgary company Petrobank drilled a test well just outside of Princeton to see what deposits of coalbed methane lay below our valley. At that time Petrobank gave at least two information sessions and the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Environment and the Oil and Gas Commission paid us a visit to tell us of the safety of the drilling process. Much information was presented about the new regulations that have been imposed by the BC government and how we would never experience the horrors of Powder River in Wyoming. The Princeton Naturalists were concerned however and brought in guest speakers, one of which was Karen Campbell, then of West Coast Environmental Law. But there was not much of a fuss made and Petrobank drilled their test well and went back to Calgary to process the results. It was our hope at the time that they would not find it financially feasible to continue any test drilling but here we are four years later and Petrobank is on the eve of drilling two more wells in our area.
Four years ago we were told that leases can be sold to companies like Petrobank and they are within their rights to conduct exploration and drill test wells on your property. It would simply not be within the local government's power to be able to forbid a company from accessing Crown and/or private lands. In other words, to some extent it was out of our hands. Whereas we may not have the ability to legislate the safety of our valley, we do believe that a majority of our residents will carry enough weight to protest and protect our homes. However, there are a few things to consider before we take any steps. We have to listen to our entire community, not just to a select group of people. We have to have our facts straight and this has not been an easy job as myths and facts about Coalbed Methane abound. However, both Mayor McLean and I cannot comprehend why we as a community should welcome the possibility of residents' water systems being threatened and 200 to 250 wells with adjoining pipelines scattered across our beautiful valley for the 2 to 3 jobs that may be created. We do not know for sure that Coalbed Methane will not have some detrimental effect on our valley and at this point we are not exactly sure who to turn to to give us some assurances that we will be untouched by drilling and extraction. No one wants to believe Petrobank; some do not believe the Oil and Gas Commission; others the Ministry of Energy and Mines, while others dismiss the claims made by some people that our entire water system will be polluted and decimated by the drilling.
It has become a battle of words, myths, fragile facts and finger pointing. This must not be how we fight out battles. There are opposing sides on this issue but what must come to the fore front is what is good for our valley. This is surely something we can all agree on.
So here is what we are doing right at the present. We have invited Petrobank to come back to town and we are in the process of selecting other experts that can debate the topic of Coalbed Methane with them. We are hoping to have questions and answers from the public as well. This will be a moderated session and will not be affiliated with any group.
As soon as a suitable date is arrived at for both representatives there will be an open meeting for all of the residents of Princeton and area and we encourage everyone to attend no matter how you feel about Coalbed Methane. Princeton, this is a matter that needs to be addressed by enough people so that both Mayor McLean, his council and I can stand up and say that we have heard from you and are prepared to stand by what we have heard and speak out loud and clearly.
Both Mayor McLean and I will also be asking the Chair of the Regional District to have this on the next meeting's agenda for discussion as well so that all politicians in the Okanagan-Similkameen can be informed about the challenges that we could be facing.
- Gerri Logan, Director Area H
Princeton Rural
To The Editor;
I'm afraid Dawn, you seem to have a few facts wrong or your research into history requires a little more perusal into facts.
John Prebble, a noted author among his other noted publications wrote several books on the history of Scotland.
The Highland Clearances written in 1963 is excellent reading and tells the truth of who was responsible for the ejecting of the peasant tenants from their land.
As far as the Irish go, a few years back I watched an excellent documentary detailing where the wealthy Irish landlords preferred to sell to the English for more money sooner than help out their own kin during the
'Potato Famine.'
Being English I do follow history and I do believe that much of the justice system in civilized countries today is an adoption of English Law.
For my personal point of view the Canadian Charter of Rights - another of Trudeau's legacy - will never replace the old BNA Act. My only claim to fame is that I have been published sixteen times in letters to the Editor in The Province.
- Dennis Mills, Princeton
To The Editor;
This year, as we celebrate British Columbia's 150th anniversary, our BC Government Agents also celebrate 150 years of service.
In 1858, 30,000 miners poured into British Columbia to join the rush for gold on the Lower Fraser and Thompson rivers. To meet the demand for government services, Governor James Douglas installed magistrates in Yale and Queensborough, now New Westminster. By the end of 1859, Douglas had established six administrative districts.
These officials would be known in coming years as Government Agents, and every provincial program and service delivered to British Columbians can be traced back to these roots.
The earliest responsibilities assumed by Government Agents have evolved, but the commitment to quality customer service is just as strong. Today, Government Agents are part of Service BC, which is the provincial government's chief provider of front-line services to the public.
Today, you can get access to government information and services in person at Service BC Centres in 59 locations across the province, as well as by phone through the Enquiry BC contact centre and online through our website.
Steven Point, Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, has proclaimed June 19, 2008 as Government Agents' Day in British Columbia.
Right here in Princeton, Cheryl Winters and Irene Manion at the Service BC Centre will be celebrating Government Agent's Day with an open house, and I hope you have a chance to participate.
Government Agents have been an integral part of our history and exemplify the spirit of our province. I congratulate BC's Government Agents on 150 years of exemplary service.
Sincerely,
Olga Ilich, Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services
To The Editor;
It is hard to believe that it is the end of the year. September to June just flew by and it is time to say thanks to our school community for working with us in the education of our students.
Thanks to the School Planning Council members Sandy Yee, Leslie Hassell and Karen Brewer for working with us on next year's school goal. Thanks to all of our staff who worked so hard on this year's objectives, as well as on determining next year's goal.
Once again we had 50% of our students involved in a school sport. Thanks to our Athletic Director Kirk McConnell for the gargantuan job of organizing all of the teams and coaches. Thank you to the following coaches who gave so freely of their time to provide opportunities for our student athletes: Dean Johnston, Richard White, Rob Marshall, Karen Brewer, Jewel Manion, Larry Mackenzie, Adrea McLean, Steven Yee, Scott Musgrove, Kirk McConnell, Chantelle White, Madison Johnston, Tia Tolmie, Laurence Newman, Sara Illingworth, John Kitts, Patrick Kaiser, Kayley Thomas, Miranda Newman, Maria Shenton, Paula Carter and Nicole Thomas.
Other thanks go out to our Student Council sponsors Nadine McEwen and Crystal Larsen, our Grad sponsors Patrick Kaiser and Kirk McConnell, Shane O'Malley and the Wasylenchuk clan for the Grad Tea, Laurence Newman, John Kitts, Andrew Nordquist and Ron Tjernstrom for Skills Canada, Paula Barchard for Science Fair, Edie Currie for our Europe trip.
Organizations and businesses in town have supported us in our endeavours and include Mac's Auto Parts, Rotary, Princeton Co-Gen, RockRidge Canyon, Princeton Glass, Similkameen News Leader and the Spotlight.
The following businesses sponsored the Secondary School Apprenticeship program: Vermilion Forks Automotive, Fred & Company, RockRidge Canyon, Cowboy Coffee, Princeton Co-Gen, Arcat Industrial Repairs, Overwaitea and On Time Automotive.
If I have overlooked anyone or missed something please accept my apologies. We are very fortunate to have a community where everyone pitches in to help with the education of our young people.
Have a great summer!
- Bill Lawrence, Principal
Princeton Secondary School
