Audience members were understandably puzzled during last month's townhall meeting about a proposed coal facility across the river at Fraser Surrey Docks.
When the panel was asked who exactly had the final say on whether the facility could go ahead, there were no clear answers. The health authority spokesperson said he wanted a "comprehensive health impact assessment" for the project, but it was not clear who would provide it and whether the project could be killed on the basis of an unsatisfactory report? For many in the audience, the Port Metro Authority sounded like a government institution, accountable to the public, and they were shocked to learn that it is not. Many were also astounded to find out that there was no obligation for Port Metro to inform anyone in New Westminster about the proposal, which could see coal dust drift over to Queensborough and the Quay.
Burnaby's Mayor Derek Corrigan hit the nail on the head this week when he said the Port Metro Authority is run by big businesses of the port "(that) are soley engaged in the benefit of those businesses."
Corrigan will no doubt be painted as an anti-economy leftist for his city's position. But he is dead on with his appraisal and criticism of the authority.
The port authority has a website filled with community consultation platitudes, but has not even held one public hearing on the proposal theyve left it to Fraser Surrey Docks to do that.
Talk about the fox watching over the chickens.
Today, Metro Vancouver directors (the group that has some authority over air quality permits) is listening to six delegations opposed to expanding coal facilities. Metro Vancouver's environment and parks committee has already penned a motion to send a 'public statement' to Port Metro opposing new coal shipments. And, of course, New Westminster has come out - albeit a bit late to the game - in opposition to the Surrey proposal.
We think Port Metro was hoping this deal quietly slipped by citizens. Thankfully that is not the case, cities and citizens are upset and rightly believe that they should have a voice in the situation.
If ever there was an example of the need for accountability, Port Metro Authority is a glaring example.
