| BC Tidal Rapids Need Protection Now |
| Written by Administrator |
| Monday, 29 December 2008 08:18 |
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Okisollo Wave and Surge Narrows, both on the north shore of Quadra Island, have been applied for as places to site tidal power generators. This means harnessing the energy that creates the waves, and building industrial infrastructure to collect and transport the power.
This conflicts with existing public use as Okisollo and Surge Narrows are also part of an already-strong economy based on wild natural features of the land and ocean. Such applications, mostly around Quadra Island, are part of a recent gold rush of private claims staked for potentially profitable energy sites in BC. Some ‘Greensome’ power projects may seem benign, but others come with harsh environmental and social consequences. Surge Narrows [Application # 1413161] is a well-used kayaking path and play area. Summer 2008 saw more than 1500 people kayaking in Surge Narrows, Okisollo and Octopus Islands. As a navigation channel used by large number of boaters, Okisollo is one of few access routes to the very popular Octopus Islands Marine Park. Any industrial obstruction would present a hazard to navigation and significant danger to paddlers and the local economies. Surge Narrows and Okisollo tidal rapids are perfect locations for serious kayak training and high-adrenaline recreation (http://www.coastmountainexpeditions.com/?q=node/98) such as BC colleges’, universities’, and private schools’ outdoor leadership and kayak skills training. Okisollo is a controlled rough-water paddling area offering difficult, but important, conditions that compliment more moderate rapids at nearby Surge Narrows, – both easily accessible and safe areas where paddlers can challenge and improve skills! The area, especially the Okisollo Wave [Application # 1413121] has received highest praise from two world-freestyle champions and many professional paddlers, and gained international recognition and a large audience of kayakers thanks to articles and DVDs featuring the area’s natural beauty and dramatic tidal features. If these applications are approved, it will be difficult to stop industrial development in the Okisollo Channel. If you believe this area should remain wild, please voice your opinion now by emailing: \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or writing a letter to Simone Engels, Land Officer, Integrated Land Management Bureau, 142-2080 Labieux Rd., Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J9. Complete story at: http://www.surfkayak.org/ . [Editor’s Note: Thanks to Andree Hurley, WKC Access Chair for the ‘Heads-Up!’ on this story.] |