Paddling to Protect the Saanich Inlet
As Vancouver-based energy company Steelhead LNG continues to push ahead with a liquefied natural gas (LNG) proposal in the Saanich inlet people continue to come together to show their disapproval of the project. The Steelhead LNG project will consist of both a sub-sea pipeline from the USA as well as tankers transporting fracked gas to a liquefaction plant on the inlet’s western Bamberton shore-front. The many objectors to the development say that it will jeopardize marine and shore life while negating the possibility of BC reaching its climate obligations.
In March 2016, four of the WSANEC Nations invoked their inherent and Douglas Treaty rights to Saanich Inlet, and declared their opposition to the LNG proposal. The districts of Central and North Saanich, and the Cowichan Valley have also disapproved an LNG plant in their jurisdictions.
On June 21, Tseycum elders, Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Saanich Inlet Network, and allied groups hosted an Aboriginal Day Paddle and Potluck that was attended by more than 50 enthusiastic paddlers. The event’s objective was to raise awareness of the risks of the LNG facility, and to celebrate the natural beauty and richness of the inlet, the heart of the Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan communities.
“Above all what we want Steelhead to know is that we are here and not going anywhere,” Hilary Strang of the Saanich Inlet Network told SVO.
More actions are in the planning.
More info on the paddle and how you can get involved:
Saanich Inlet Network
WSANEC nation opposed to LNG in the Saanich Inlet – PNR
5.2 million reasons the fossil fuel industry has the BC government’s ear – Policy Note
Steelhead LNG project gets early OK from Huu-ay-aht Nation – CBC
You should give both sides of the story, as fair objective journalists. Or are you not fair objective journalists?
Hello Peanut Flower. SVO generally does not reply to comments made with an alias (we assume that Peanut Flower is an alias), that said – this article was not about whether LNG in the inlet is good or bad, the article was simply covering the fact that there was an organized event protesting it.
And, we welcome progressive, well-written citizen-submitted articles. It’s what Saanich Voice Online is all about. Please see our submission guidelines for further information.