I am appalled at the lack of concern the Central Saanich council has for the environment.
They profess to be doing everything in their power to reduce emissions and pat themselves on the back for installing another charging station. Meanwhile, they refuse to deal with the intense smoke caused by burning farm waste.
When a doctor sent a letter a couple of years ago, pleading with them to address this problem because it was having a serious impact on his asthma patients, they blatantly refused. They said they restricted burning to days when the weather is venting. I spoke to Coun. Niall Paltiel and he said he would not change his mind. On Family Day, the smoke was so thick it obscured the view of my Saanichton neighbour’s house across the street. Other neighbours noticed the same visibility issues down the street. And it prevented some visitor families from enjoying the outdoors with their children.
Burning wood and other farm waste does more than impact our carbon footprint. Burning is one of the worst polluters when it comes to the health of residents. It prevents healthy activities like brisk walking and other similar activities that are encouraged strongly by our health advisors.
It must be said that Central Saanich Coun. Zeb King did agree with the doctor’s request but was voted down by all the other councillors. It would be wonderful to see a groundswell of letters or emails sent to the council expressing concern over the “burning Issue”.
Robert Currie
Saanichton
