The New Buzzword -- Sustainability (100_1742.mov)

Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, Canada

Vancouver Island is undegoing massive changes as more and more people discover its natural beauty and mild climate.  Coupled with the realization that food prices are ever increasing, peak oil production and ever increasing pollution, the Regional District of Nanaimo is embarking on a revision of its Official Community Plan(OCP) for the area enclosing the historical coal mining and farming districts of South Wellington, Cassidy and Cedar.  The first public meeting to discuss future directions was held May 10 with the theme of sustainability.  The definition of sustainability varied widely, from the promotion of an expanded airport to sustain local economy to protection of aquifers to ensure clean water.  A representative of the local First Nations band reminded those present that pre-European contact, the area sustained only about 15 000 people.  We have already exceeded that count by many times.

Representatives from several local interest groups were invited to give a five minute dissertation on their group's take on sustainability.  Most were in agreement that careful planning of future housing and commercial development must take place in order to preserve local food production and clean air and water.  A challenge was issued by the rep from a new grassroots group Mid Island Sustainable Stewardship Initiative(MISSI) to make this area the "greenest" on Vancouver Island.

Alon with the theme of "Think globally, act locally" the Cedar Farmers' Market opened on Sunday, Mothers' Day.  This group has been offering fresh, local farm products for 20 years now.

The locals are not a bunch of dour, hardworking no fun farmers.  The village of Cedar supports three neighbourhood pubs -- The Crow and Gate, a relative newcomer, extablished only in the 20th century, and the Cranberry Arms and Wheat Sheaf Inn both in business since the 19th century