Install shore power, like in Vancouver
Re: “Helps wants cruise ships to plug into shore power,” Oct. 12.
I commend Mayor Lisa Helps for bringing to the table the fact that the City of Victoria needs to regulate cruise ships while they are in port. The cruise-ship industry has had a free ride far too long while docked in our lovely city.
The exhaust that washes over Victoria from not only one ship — but up to three at once — is no longer acceptable to those of us who call Greater Victoria our home.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and cruise-ship industry must step up to the plate and install shore power to control carbon emissions and particulates that are toxic to human as well as planetary health.
Furthermore, the cruise-ship industry should bear the largest share of the cost to install shore power. This industry takes too great a toll on the environment to continue to do business as usual. If Vancouver, Seattle and Juneau have shore power, so can Victoria.
From my condominium building, we can watch the exhaust emissions cover our city — not a pretty sight!
Donna de Haan
Victoria
Don’t be duped by cruise-ship glitz
Re: “Helps wants cruise ships to plug into shore power,” Oct. 12.
Mega-polluters, in the form of cruise ships, visit our city regularly because their presence enhances our city’s economic viability and Victoria is a beautiful city to visit. At the same time, it is well known that cruise ships emit sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere.
The addition of shore power as advocated by our city’s mayor will allow ships to reduce emissions while in port. European port cities such as Barcelona have reported high levels of breathing-related issues attributed to cruise-ship emissions.
Let’s not wait until such illnesses occur to tackle the problem. Current moves to encourage public transportation and bicycle use have positive environmental impact, but providing shore power and reducing cruise-ship traffic would have greater benefits.
Citizens of Victoria, don’t allow yourselves to be duped by the glitz of these floating hotels and the industry that surrounds them.
There is a crisis brewing on our doorstep far more problematic than most people realize. Let’s get informed so that economics and privilege do not overshadow our and other’s health and environmental concerns.
Delia McCrae
Victoria
More air pollution from helicopters
Re: “Helps wants cruise ships to plug into shore power,” Oct. 12.
I used to enjoy my home’s rear deck in the 200-block of Michigan Street in James Bay, just a few blocks from Ogden Point (or whatever they want us to call it now).
I can’t remember ever noticing cruise-ship pollution. However, when the prevailing air movement was just right, I could count on the distinct odour of kerosene (jet fuel) immediately following the sound of helicopters lifting off from the heliport.
Countless times, I would move inside and close all the windows to avoid the free aerial spraying.
Kevin Norman
View Royal
Shut windows keep out Eau de Cruise Ship
Re: “Helps wants cruise ships to plug into shore power,” Oct. 12.
I live near Ogden Point. Someone suggested opening the window a crack at night for a better sleep. I opened the window. Eau de Cruise Ship wafted in. I closed the window.
Jo Manning
Victoria
Affordable housing for hospitality workers
Re: “Victoria ponders affordable housing for artists,” Oct. 11.
So the City of Victoria is attempting to move ahead with affordable-housing plans for artists. While this in itself is a controversial move, perhaps this out-of-touch city council should consider a more deserving occupation to help.
The hospitality industry is the backbone of the Victoria economy, employing a very large number of people from all walks of life. If a move on housing was to be made, look no further than people in the hospitality industry — hardworking people who deserve the help and are often overlooked.
David Findlay
Chemainus
