Update September 13, 2005

 

Here is an update on our progress….

 

Legal

As many of you know from the community meeting on September 7th, we are fortunate to have hired Joe Arvay Q.C. of Arvay, Finlay to represent us at the BCUC hearings.  Joe and his associate Mark Underhill are very prominent lawyers involved in high profile and complex litigation, with a particular emphasis on public law.  In addition, Murray Rankin Q.C. of Arvay Finlay (and a former professor of environmental law at the University of Victoria) has agreed to act as a consultant on any environmental issues that arise.  Although only hired a little over a week ago, they have quickly grasped our predicament, formulated a strategy and are working diligently on the case. 

 

 

Survey

To aid our presentation, University of Victoria Law School will be conducting interviews of residents along the Right of Way on Friday September 23 and Saturday September 24.  These interviews will be turned into legal documents for use by TRAHVOL’s legal team in the upcoming Utilities Commission hearing.   Your participation is needed to ensure that TRAHVOL is able to put forward the best possible case in opposing the transmission lines.  If you have any questions regarding the students please contact Bernadette Kudzin at (604) 948-2720.

 

 

Summary of September 7th Meeting

For those who couldn’t attend, the meeting at the South Delta Rec. Center last Wednesday was a great success - close to 200 residents attended.  Joe Arvay introduced himself and answered questions on our legal position.  He also outlined the various lines of attack we will be pursuing. Residents then had the opportunity to address their issues with Val Roddick, our MLA.  I think she came away well aware of our frustration with the provincial government and BCTC and has agreed to register as an Intervenor to speak on our behalf at the BCUC hearings.  The meeting was well covered by the press – BCTV, CTV, Delta Optimist etc.- Thank you Maureen!

 

 

Society Status

We are now a registered society -  TRAHVOL: Tsawwassen Residents Against Higher Voltage Overhead Lines Society.  This affords us official status as an interest group in the upcoming BC Utilities Commission hearings.  Further, as a society we are able to better account for our financial records.

 

 

 

Financial

As you can see from the above, we are moving along and well positioned to win this fight.  But, we need your help – both financially and physically.  We have significant legal, appraisal and expert witness costs to cover.  Although there is a possibility that we may be awarded some of these costs at the end of the hearings, we need close to $100,000 upfront to wage this battle.  If each resident along the Right of Way contributes their share ($600), this goal is attainable.  You may in the end be refunded a portion of this.

 

So far, we only have a financial commitment from half of you.  If you have not already done so, please help by sending your share to:

TRAHVOL

C/o 1680 53A Street.

Delta B. C.

V4M 3G4

 

Alternately you may drop your cheques off at:

·         267 Murphy Drive (Bernadette Kudzin)

·         504 Galway (Julie Berks)

·         1680 53A (Jack Bulloch)

·         OR phone Julie Berks at 943-7046 and she will pick the cheque up at your home.

(If you wish, you may send us three cheques, two of which can be postdated for October and November.)  Further, we would greatly appreciate any donations from our other TRAHVOL supporters. (Amounts over $100. may be eligible for a proportional rebate.) 

 

The investment you make to win this fight will be justly rewarded with decreased health concerns and increased propery value.   

 

 

BC Utilities Commission Information

 

Intervenor Deadline

  • Intervenor and Interested Party Registration – Sept. 16, 2005
  • Intervenor evidence submitted – Oct. 7, 2005

 

Town Hall Meeting: 

The BCUC has agreed to hold several town hall meeting to hear our issues.  The meetings will be held on Saltspring Island, Duncan and Tsawwassen. 

The Tsawwassen meeting is scheduled for:

Monday November 21

Coast Tsawwassen Inn

5:00 pm

Mark your calendar with this important event and please plan to be in attendance at this meeting as it is crucial that we demonstrate a strong presence.

 

Hearings

Public hearings commence – Nov. 23, 2005

 

We Need Your Help!

There is lots of work to be done yet, especially in the areas of community events, fund raising, public relations, newsletters etc.  Please, if you want to help and can spare a little time contact

 

Public Relations and Politics                   Maureeen Broadfoot                   943-1656

Community  Events                                Bernadette Kudzin                     948-2720

Member Relations                                  Julie Berks                                943-7046