I would like to begin with stating the reason why Scott McWalter is part of the Brink Group of Companies' Senior Management team.
I have never in my life time met a sincerer and dedicated individual than Scott McWalter. 'Furthermore, I have never met a person with more passion in all he or she chooses to pursue than Scott McWalter.
I have, in my 52 years in Prince George, and in particular in the past 42 years, always been committed in giving back to the community. This is precisely the reason we at the Brink Group hired Scott when he was available. This man is without a doubt the prime example of a difference maker. I respect him for that.
There are many speculations as to why Scott McWalter made the decision to post an update on the Brink v. BCR Properties case on the Hell Yeah Prince George Facebook page. I can share some of the facts that may have supported his decision.
The case in question involves a landfill in our city which is located in the BCR site. It is 22 acres in size and in places 10 metres deep.
The contents of the landfill, active since 1978, contain mainly log yard waste. However, recent environmental reports indicate that it also includes various deleterious chemicals such as arsenic, mercury, PCB, and PCP to name a few.
To those who have had recent exposure to the case, such as Scott McWalter, they find this extremely alarming, as the land fill is located within 100 metres of the Fraser River, a river that supports natural wildlife in our community. More alarming is the fact that this toxic landfill is the same distance away from one of the city's major drinking water intakes. As per the City of Prince George, OCP Well Protection Plan, standard regulations state that no landfills can be located within 2,000 metres from a river or water supply.
Recently, Scott, since working at the Brink Group, was exposed to the environmental reports and factual information which indicates the risks of the landfill to human health and was very upset that a major environmental issue has existed in our city for over 20 years and has, rather than been resolved, been ignored and/or concealed by various parties who had the power and responsibility to protect our community.
I personally have been under attack for voicing controversial opinions over the past 50 years. I believe I have always fought for what is right.
Ironically, you don't make very many friends down this road. I accept that. I, however, do not accept the criticism Scott McWalter has undergone for bringing to the public's attention an issue that affects us all.
There are many individuals, like our local MLAs, who were informed about these issues, however, chose to stand in silence. Now a moment has arrived where BCR must be held accountable. The public affected must be made aware.
I believe Scott McWalter wanted the public to be aware of this. Differences of opinion may exist as to the medium used to convey this message, however, it is not fair to shoot the messenger.
The community needs more difference makers like Scott McWalter, not less.
John Brink
Prince George
