To the Editor:
Clearwater is experiencing a rapid expansion, if only for a couple of years. The W.A.W.P. is dominating the roads — that being the “Whip Aerial White Pickups” of the Trans Mountain Pipeline gang.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a supporter of pipelines rather than the rail or road as a transporter of crude oil, although I would much rather see the product refined in Canada.
The power of big money is evident when you see an instant town grow up before your eyes across the Eco Depot off Camp Two Rd. “Trailer Ville” would be an apt name for the exploding, temporary settlement.
Money talks and this phenomena is screaming.
On the down side, this corporate power can come with arrogance and bully-boy tactics when dealing with a small town like Clearwater. When this instant development is over, we need to have a solid community to carry on into the future.
Some local landowners have experienced the bully-boy tactics which “big oil” is guilty of.
On the other hand, some local businesses have benefited greatly from this enterprise, so it can be a mixed blessing.
I would like to see some of that corporate cash flow into our local medical system and education system.
A well-supported medical system could save lives of locals and pipeline workers as well. A nice injection of cash into our educational facilities would be helpful for now and the future.
It will be a major balancing act to keep this town and surrounding area on an even keel. I think the governance of the municipality and the TNRD are up to the task.
Let’s hope that this corporate contact will leave a lasting positive legacy to make up for our recent corporate experience with forestry giants.
Wes Morden
Clearwater, B.C.