To the Editor,
Adam Donnelly, CFJC news reporter, was outside the Vavenby Christian Church on Wed., Aug. 26 at 9:00 a.m. to interview Carol Schaffer, TNRD Area A representative. The interview was concerning a legacy for the town from the closure of the Canfor Mill which took place in 2019. The mill operated in Vavenby.
It was on the town’s water system and relied on the fire hall. Canfor provided employment for a large number of residents. However all residents had to put up with the fly ash, the damage at the railroad crossing, noise pollution, the heavy truck traffic which caused continuous road damage, etc.
Vavenby’s legacy is $25,000. The District of Clearwater is receiving $200,000 and United Way $150,000. Simpcw First Nation and Wells Gray Community Forest have also been offered substantial benefits.
Schaffer believes that Vavenby’s worth is more than what is being offered. She feels that the legacy should be equal to Clearwater’s $250,000. Schaffer summed up by saying, “The community of Vavenby is not asking for all your profits. All we are seeking is a very small investment into a community that you made significant profits and that you left behind. We feel Vavenby has served you well since 2004.”
Donnelly, who grew up in Clearwater and whose mother is now principal of the three elementary schools in the area, then talked with Ian Moilliet about the history of the church. Next, he talked to Charlotte Cederholm about the need for funds for the Vavenby fire hall.
Donnelly then interviewed resident Jeannie Norlander. She was asked what happened to the town when the mill closed down. Norlander told of the large loss of jobs but also put in what the town had had to put up with when the mill was running.
Overall it was a good news interview. It was on television a few days later.
Robyn Rexin
Vavenby, B.C.