Re: ‘Not Happy with new councillor Oates’, letter to the editor by Bill Rollier (The NEWS, Feb. 10).
Kirk Oates is a breath of fresh air and an injection of new blood into what was a staid old council.
He has the right to question the political will of Coun. Al Greir — just watch the webcast of the meeting.
Greir was the most ardent objector to any financial help for the Vancouver Island Tribute Festival, who asked for a $1,000 donation for the second year in a row from the city to help defer some costs. Greir is the very same man who champions increasing tourism, but then only if it’s sports tourism.
Although no specific numbers were given of the amount of tourists this event brought into Parksville in 2014, it was said that most of the hotels and motels were full to capacity during its happening.
When it came to the Island Crisis Care Society’s presentation, Greir was like a giddy schoolgirl when given a toque to wear.
He was even more elated when he found out that there would be a free lunch after the society’s Coldest Night of the Year Walk, especially when he learned his donation is tax deductible.
Wood burning is not carbon neutral or clean. Burning produces carbons.
Wood smoke is now regarded by the B.C. Health Authority as the major source of all air pollution afflicting British Columbia, and considered one of the most grievous and serious hazards to any British Columbians’ health; more so than smog or car exhaust fumes.
So, Oates has done some research to counter Greir’s comment about a “knee-jerk reaction.” Research has shown that there is no threshold below which smoke has no health effects.
So, Coun. Oates, keep on hammering at the old guard.
Bob BuddParksville