By Tyler Olsen Morningstar Sep 19 2007
While agreeing that climate change is an important issue that must be dealt with, members of Spallumcheen council expressed concern Monday about being obligated to take action to battle global warming.Faced with a decision on whether to sign the British Columbia Climate Action Charter at the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference, several councillors, along with Mayor Will Hansma, expressed concern that the charter could force the township’s hand.“If you read section five, there are some far-reaching things in there,” said Coun. Carolyn Farris, referring to a section of the charter in which signatories agree to take action to become carbon neutral and “creating complete, compact, more energy-efficient rural and urban communities.”
Coun. Ralph Leyenhorst also expressed concern about the charter’s obligations, while noting that he does agree with the principles expressed by section five.And Mayor Will Hansma noted: “The section five doesn’t work in rural communities, whatever they say.”Coun. Todd York recognized that there are concerns but said that something must be done.“As a first-world nation I think we have to be leaders,” said York. “At this level it just seems to be a participation in theory at this point.”And Hansma, in supporting signing the petition, pointed to another clause noting that the charter is not legally binding and imposes no legal obligations. “I think number nine says it for us. There are some areas of concern but we can support it in principle.”He also noted that signing the charter will likely be tied to future funding opportunities from the province.“A lot of the funds that will be coming from the province will be tied to this.”All four present councillors (Couns. Janice Brown and Lorna Bissell were absent) agreed, and Hansma was granted the authority to sign the charter at the UBCM convention.
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