EMAIL TO BC HEALTH MINISTRY

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I am a resident of Silver Birch Lodge Seniors Residence . My husband and I reside in one of the North facing units, located within a stone’s throw from Highway 16. Directly across the highway on the south side are the remains of a huge fire-ravaged hotel and a series of smaller businesses.

The tragic event which left one person dead occurred during our previous winter but nothing or very little has been done to protect citizens, particularly Silver Birch senior from breathing in toxic dust stirred up by almost constant windstorms this past spring and summer months.

I understand asbestos floorings etc were incorporated in the construction of older buildings? The hotel complex was built around 1965 or 1966 when Placer-Development Mining Corporation made Fraser Lake the townsite for their Endako Molybdenun Mine. 

The mine shut town several years ago as did the other main source of community income, Fraser Lake Sawmills, and their subsidiary sources of employment and Village Revenue.

No doubt there has been a  lessening of tourism activity this summer because of the grossness of debris from the fire. Some flimsy tarps were put in place which have now been torn apart by the wind.

The big thing is no one appears to be responsible for the health effects of elderly citizens let alone the disgusting view of what was formerly a nice little town with various amenities. Apparently there are at least 8 insurance companies involved. The owner who lost everything in the fire also lost his life. 

But can someone at least donate enough money for a heavy duty tarp of some kind to keep the asbestos laden dust from being a health hazard to we senior citizens living in a direct line of the prevailing wind currents?  (I should have added everyone working in the shopping center, entire town as well)

Note: I enclosed photos of the debris and proximity to Silver Birch Lodge. I received automatic note  that the Ministry received the email.

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