PGAQ #32 by Vic Steblin, Sep 2, 2008

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

On Monday, May 26 Canfor’s North Central Plywood mill in the BCR Industrial site just south of Prince George burnt down. Later investigation showed that the fire started near the Number Two Plywood Dryer and spread to the roof area.

This fire was considered the largest structural fire in the history of Prince George. The mill was worth about 100 million and employed about 300 people plus all the economic spinoffs. An immediate disaster for many in Prince George.

Now consider the air quality as reported by the Prince George Citizen on their second page. I have noticed during the past few years that the three areas listed BCR, Downtown and College Heights were generally in the ratio of 3:2:1. With the mill gone the air quality is now generally in the ratio 2.5:2:1.

Of course our air quality would get better if the mills were gone. Air quality would also improve if the trucks, locomotives and wood stoves left town. Less is more for the quality of air and the quality of life in Prince George. It is possible to have a large, clean city if more care more about clean air.