Don’t ruin Confederation Trail
Editor: We agree with this writer. The Confederation Trail was a project that thousands of Islanders worked since 1989. It is an important part of our lives.
The easements he has granted will last for centuries. What right does Premier Ghiz have to give it away to this rich friends?
If he wants to run on the platform of selling off PEI to his rich friends, call an election. Otherwise back off. As my mother would say, Mr. Ghiz you have unmitigated gall.
The Confederation Trail is ours not his.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Editor:
As a frequent user of the Confederation Trail, I want to add my name to the growing list of irate people over the construction of power lines along the Confederation Trail.
Last weekend, I joined hundreds of Islanders and people from other parts of Canada and other countries, who took part in the Island Marathon. Many spoke to me about the beauty of running the section on the Confederation Trail from Tracadie to the Brackley Point Road. I asked them how they would feel if the trail had power lines constructed carrying 138,000 volts of electricity beside the trail. I informed them about the 29 kilometres of power lines that are to be constructed along the trail in Prince County. They were shocked.
As P.E.I. struggles with declining tourism numbers, we are about to destroy a truly unique, world-class trail system to transport ‘wind power’ from the Island to the mainland. Don’t think 29 kilometres can be sacrificed and the integrity of the trail will be intact. This is a linear park and the total trails image is at risk.
The spinoff benefits the Confederation Trail provide are numerous. Every year the number of people using the trail grows tremendously. The construction of 29 kilometres of power lines on the trail is going to have a negative effect on the image of our Island.
However, this is only one concern. The jury is still out on the adverse effects of this kind of power line system on people’s health. This issue alone is a ‘red flag’ and should alarm every Islander. This is not an ‘up west’ issue – this is a Prince Edward Island issue.
Add your voice to the list of Islanders who strongly believe that if this project is to proceed then find a compromise and at least have the 29 kilometres of power lines buried.
The first power line proposal was for only 12 kilometres and it jumped to 29, so don’t think other sections of trail will go unmarred. Make your views known. Tell your local MLA, other decision makers and the media that our voice needs to be heard. Bury the lines.
Michael Gaudet,
Summerside
