Councillor out of touch with reality

Re: “New graving dock gets city OK, jobs to follow,” Feb. 16. A new $50-million-plus graving dock to be built at Point Hope Maritime, providing another 200 high-paying jobs at the shipyard, is a good thing.

For years, Ralmax has provided local jobs and capable service of marine vessels. It has a reputation for not only superior work by a dedicated group of professionals, but a solid track record of environmental compliance and community involvement.

Yet the elitist Victoria Coun. Ben Isitt mouths off that such “industrial use of the site is only appropriate as long as activities there do not interfere with the use and enjoyment for city residents.” Excuse me, but Ralmax was working and employing people at that site long before the adjacent area was built up for the use and pleasure of condo owners and recreationalists.

I suggest Isitt would shut down an organic farm for watering its produce in the early morning because it might disturb adjacent residents; or seek to ban cows from farting because the smell was upsetting people in their newly built houses adjacent to a long-existing dairy farm. I believe Isitt’s view is that the interests of property developers and owners take precedence over industrial users on our waterfront.

Reputable companies (such as Ralmax) employing local people to work in and about our harbour is a good thing for the economy, tourism and the community at large. Coun. Isitt, please give your head a shake and quit pandering to the gentrification of our city’s working harbour.

Nick May Vic West