Editor:
I started writing a piece regarding the tar sands and the proposed Enbridge pipeline through Burns Lake.
But tears filled my Friday night as word came out on the devastation of Babine Forest Products and the potential losses.
It is Saturday now and I’ve been informed of two fine men are deceased. I am feeling deep empathy and love for all.
My heart goes out to the Luggi and Charlie families and the beautiful First Nation community of Burns Lake. No one here is unaffected by this great loss. My faith in this community is so strong, as I know the love and support it holds makes it more than capable of overcoming and growing into something more.
I remember thinking recently of the most beautiful thing I could imagine, that being a group of people of all colors, age and ethnic backgrounds coming and working together for the common good of all.
On Saturday I awoke with that thought and the people of Burns Lake. Images and ideas of many things quickly flowed to me, and knowing I was one of many others receiving these thoughts. One that came to mind that I would like to share is of a pulp mill on Vancouver Island.
From what I remember it had basically gone bankrupt and was to be sold to the highest bidder, dismantled and sold off. As the town was devastated some people got together and started to formulate a plan to get all the former employees and others involved in buying the mill.
Perhaps money was attained through grants and loans from local credit unions and banks? I’m thinking they would be on board to help support their mortgages. But they did it and became one of the most profitable and obviously very efficient mills in western Canada.
With everyone as a part owner they became very aware of inefficiencies. They were very innovative on how and where to improve things while working together.
Wouldn’t it be great if Burns Lake did that? As the mill did support the town, but the millions in profits went to big corporations for around 40 years. If the timber rights stayed in the community I believe you would know how best to utilize them for the good of Burns Lake.
I heard the planer is still there and of course Decker Lake Forest Products and Babine Specialty Wood.
I believe that our ability to work together towards a common goal is more possible than ever and variations of this idea are already in the works. What an opportunity this is to set our differences behind us and achieve something more than what was.
There is a silver lining if we look outside the box. This is just one idea and I know the town will come together with many as they brain storm new possibilities. Becoming a more self-sustaining and diverse community comes from the love we have for one another.
It is my hopes that the pipe line is not considered as an alternative to the hole left behind from the blast. The risks are just too high.
With love and Sympathy
Steven Wiebe