This IS Nanaimo - Like it or not

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Photo credit: S. Falls www.dragonflydreams88.com

Does our future include this kind of industry?
What does the future look like without it?

The recent furor over the unlikely possibility that an energy from waste plant might be located at Duke Point puts a focus on something our leaders need to consider as they plot Nanaimo's course into the next generation. Do we want industry? If so, what kind?

Those opposed to industry if it has any kind of environmental impact perhaps see Nanaimo as some seaside resort community famous for it's clean air and pristine shorelines, parks and trails. If so, perhaps Qualicum or Ucluelet or even Tofino might be their ideal as a model for Nanaimo to emulate. That ideal may be desirable for those fortunate enough to retire here with a comfortable retirement portfolio, or perhaps those lucky enough to hold one of the many well-paid government jobs, which arguably are the backbone of the Nanaimo economy.

Can Nanaimo survive and thrive as a tourist destination?

The notion that Nanaimo needs not entertain any medium to heavy industry but rather can rely on it's natural surroundings to make us a tourist Mecca would seem to ignore the facts. We are NOT Victoria, we are NOT Ucluelet, we are NOT Tofino, we are NOT even Chemainus, Parksville or Campbell River for that matter in the tourism department. To think we are is to entertain some grand delusion and simply ignores reality. We are a lovely place to visit, we do have many delightful amenities to enjoy but we are NOT a tourist destination centre where folk may want to come and spend a week or two.

The fact is, the Cruise Ship industry doesn't seem to find Nanaimo a very interesting place to stop for a day, as witnessed by our plummeting cruise ship numbers. The number of cruise ships choosing Nanaimo as a Port of call has been steadily in decline from a high of 13 to the current level of only 2 this year. Cruise ships stop in interesting ports which tourists find interesting and attractive. They are not choosing Nanaimo, so let's simply accept that fact and move on.

Should our industrial park include industry of all types?

Duke Point Industrial Park is a prime piece of real estate, perfectly situated for guess what, industry! It can accommodate a deep sea port, it has immense potential for handling freight coming into and leaving the west coast of Canada. It is the perfect gateway for the steady stream of freight onto and off of Vancouver Island, eventually removing the need to move truck freight through the middle of downtown. I presume there are some who would argue that even these uses are not compatible with their idea of the perfect Nanaimo.

I grew up in southern Ontario in the 50's (just after the Ark landed) and the reality of industry and smoke stacks was just a fact of life. One thing all of that industry provided, was a good standard of living for everyone. Perhaps that is why I view putting real industry in our industrial park as something worth considering. I am not suggesting coal fired, smoke belching industry, but I am suggesting being open to the idea of modern day industry, which may have some unavoidable environmental impact. When a natural gas fired electrical generation plant was finally nixed for Duke Point a few years back it really left me shaking my head. Imagine, having a source of hydro for Vancouver Island that is not dependent upon underwater cables coming from the mainland? Imagine, some good paying, family supporting jobs in our industrial park?

Are hotels and more condos the way to prosperity?

I presume that our civic leaders think all economic activity is considered favourable, and that all growth is considered favourable. The answer to that question is for much higher level thinking, than my thinker is capable of, however I do have some reservations as to whether growth for growth's sake is all it is cracked up to be.

How much the local economy improves because we build a new hotel or more condos is a question to ponder. Does the local economy improve and accrue benefits to current residents simply because we add to our numbers?

We are already facing what we are told is a looming water crisis by 2020 when we won't have enough water to service the expected growth. Our current infrastructure is being underfunded by millions of dollars every year. The Cedar dump only has about 15 years left before it needs closing costing millions of dollars, and a multimillion dollar solution needs to be found.

A simple thought from a simple fellow, but if growth is supposed to be good for the economy, how come we are paying more and more taxes and not receiving anymore services than we did years ago?