Jul
4
The statistics on cruise ship visits are enlightening - and appreciated - as are the comments regarding the Harbour Authority.
While nothing appears to be in the works to counter air pollution from the ships, there definitely is something that can be done about buses, the numbers of them and the fumes produced.
If residents of James Bay wish to better their environment, only "a strong voice" will bring change - and it should not be left to one person.
As well, those who profit financially from the cruise ship industry should not have the last say concerning living conditions in James Bay.
There is an answer to this as outlined in our article, “Electric Rail Transit?” of last month. Essentially, that article prescribed electric rail transit through James Bay to Ogden Point. Electric rail, obviously, produces no fumes. It can carry huge numbers of people, and it has easy access.
By taking up a successful campaign to institute an electric rail system, residents would benefit not only themselves but the whole of our capital region.
With electric rail in place, many more cruise passengers could visit our beautiful and attractive city, even for an hour or two. The financial benefit - to all of us - could be nothing short of astounding.
These suggestions are based on what is happening in a number of other cities where marvelous improvement has come about after installing an electric rail system. In such cities, a streetcar is "how you move from place to place in a way that’s elegant, comfortable and greenhouse gas zero."
Our own City of Victoria, in following the example of Portland, Oregon, could, on its own and within its own borders, bring about such a progressive and environmentally-sound change. Portland's investment in electric rail did not "cost" - rather, it brought a handsome return.
“It totally transformed far beyond anything we could have imagined,” said Rick Gustafson, executive director and chief operating officer of Portland Streetcar. “The streetcar was part of a whole effort to make this kind of development occur.” [The Pearl District]
The city of Portland self-financed its initial streetcar line, priced at about $25 million per mile, with the help of property owners and bonds backed by parking revenue from city garages, Gustafson said.
There needs to be a bursting out from 'the bubble' in which we seem to be encased, by demanding for a sensible, clean and financially-beneficial system of transportation.
Residents of James Bay! It is up to you! Lead the way!
Dick Faulks