It’s doubtful that logging on the hump can be stopped. However let’s look at why it’s allowed in this day and age.
It’s an age of renewal and transition from an industrial base to a tourism/commercial base. An age where the rest of the world is demanding certification of our forest products to ensure they are harvested in an ecological and sustainable way.
There used to be an act of the legislature called “The Highway Beautification Act” which regulated allowable activity to so many feet each side of the center line of a highway.
This was an act passed by the Social Credit party no less.
That act was eliminated by the Campbell Liberals under the guise of giving more control to local authorities such as regional districts or local government.
Also the Department of Highways has control over shutting down the highways for any activity.
A permit is required, along with proper signage, licensed traffic control, and insurance. An example of this is The Port Alberni Toy Run that has to ask for this every year before the Toy Run can proceed.
It is doubtful that the logging can be stopped. However, local government and the IWA/Steelworkers could at least demand that the trees that are harvested are processed at local facilities rather than shipped down island or, worse yet, exported.
Gerard Janssen
Qualicum Beach