LETTER—Environmental tragedy
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Updated: July 06, 2009 7:43 AM
I travel frequently along River Road in Delta on my way to North Surrey. I am struck every time I do by the uninterrupted stream of industrial ugliness and decay that has become our river bank. Here in the midst of some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes we have totally sacrificed our great river to the past and present needs of industry and commerce.
I contrast this with the many cities in Europe I have been fortunate enough to visit and live in who despite their history of industrial development have made the rivers running through them a centerpiece of beauty, recreation and play for their citizens.
But we need not go that far to see such contrasts. Our fellow western cities of Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon have all succeeded in exploiting their rivers for the enjoyment and pleasure of the citizens.
Is there any hope for us in Delta? As we struggle with the threats to Burns Bog, is it possible for us to turn our collective attention to the tragedy of our river bank?
I hope so, Certainly I hope the state of our great river is not profiled in the worldwide television exposure our area will receive during the upcoming Olympics.
To me, it is truly an embarrassment.
Grant Allan,
Delta
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