The following email to government officials expresses Sustainable Gabriola’s support for a Snuneymuxw press release criticizing all levels of government for ignoring or suppressing spills and pollution in Snuneymuxw waters (which are also Gabriola waters). This was the first act of Gabriola Matters, the newly created “action arm” of Sustainable Gabriola.
Date: Fri, Feb 27, 2026, 08:28
Subject: Spills & Toxic Pollution near Gabriola
To: Hon. David Eby, Premier premier@gov.bc.ca,
Hon. Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca,
Hon. Sheila Malcomson, Member of the Legislative Assembly sheila.malcomson.mla@leg.bc.ca,
Hon. Mayor Leonard Krog & Council, City of Nanaimo mayor.council@nanaimo.ca,
Hon. Joanne Thompson, Minister Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada info@dfo-mpo-gc.ca
Hello —
We, residents of Gabriola Island and members of Sustainable Gabriola, wish to express our concern and dismay at the failure of governmental authorities to enforce compliance with environmental standards of protection and cleanup of the waters recently polluted by an oil spill and contaminated by ongoing toxic effluent.
Our attention was brought to these matters by the Snuneymuxw First Nation and others who are monitoring the waters surrounding Duke Point, False Narrows, and Dodd Narrows, just off the coast of Gabriola. We wish to add our voices to the many area residents and First Nations who live, work, and recreate in this region.
As Chief Wyse so eloquently wrote in a press release sent out weeks after the January 2, 2026 spill at Environmental 360,
“The impacts caused by contamination in our territory and marine areas are not theoretical. The toxic pollutants affect livelihoods, food security, cultural practices, treaty rights and the long-term health of marine life and the marine economy that so many island communities rely on.”
We expect action and more monitoring of the industries that operate along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island near Nanaimo. We understand that the affected area includes a parcel that is under consideration for expanded industrial uses.
Given the poor track record and already significant pollution in that area (HARMAC, Environmental 360, and Western Forest Products) we are hopeful that more air and water polluting industries will not be permitted to be sited there and that these lands and waterways will be restored to support a healthy ecosystem.
Your constituents,
[surnames redacted for privacy] Bob A, Greg B, John B, Tom C, Charlotte C, Janice C, Steven E, Bob M, Betty K, Nancy H, Susan S, Fay W — residents of Gabriola & members of Sustainable Gabriola