MLA Vicki Huntington voiced local concerns over port expansion in the legislature Monday, submitting 1,700 new signatures opposing industrial development plans in South Delta.
"Last year, I was proud to deliver a 2,000-signature petition opposing industrial development plans for prime ALR land near Deltaport," said Huntington. "Our volunteers said 2,000 signatures just wasn't enough, so today I had the pleasure to nearly double our count and show our elected officials that South Delta is standing together, firm and steadfast against further industrial encroachment on our land."
Huntington initiated the petition last spring, after revealing the intentions of an industrial consortium to construct an intermodal yard and industrial park on farmland. The land was optioned for nearly $100 million.
"South Delta is a community with conviction," said Huntington. "We've drawn the line here, and are saying 'no more' to the shortsighted backroom decisions that would undo decades of local conservation efforts. The well-being of a community, our agriculture, and an Important Bird Area is at stake."
Speaking to the legislature last year before presenting her petition, Huntington reminded her fellow MLAs of their responsibility to represent the people: "When those whom we represent say, 'Stop, you have gone too far,' our obligation is to listen."
The text of the petition calls on the legislature to "demand that the Government of British Columbia publicly condemn the proposed purchase and industrialization of farmland and declare its commitment to protect lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve."
