Some Port Hardy councillors are calling foul over a resolution regarding old growth forests passed at the Union of BC Municipalities convention held Sept. 26-30 in Victoria.
The resolution calls for the protection of all remaining Vancouver Island old growth forest on Crown land from logging.
In fact, Councillor John Tidbury believes a procedural error occurred when the old growth logging resolution was moved from the end of the list to a vote on the first day.
As a result, said Tidbury, delegates did not have time to study the resolution. “I believe that UBCM made an error.”
Councillor Fred Robertson said the resolution “could have a significant impact on our communities and there has been no consultation. It was a blanket resolution.”
All forests are not the same, said Robertson, adding that positions in forestry today “are green jobs” that focus on a sustainable forest. “There’s a lack of thought about the North Island. It’s almost two different worlds,” said Councillor Rick Marcotte.
Robertson felt council should appoint an ad hoc committee to develop a strategy around the issue. “Let’s start having discussions with folks.”