The Great Debate: Preserving our Environment

Race Rocks is an idyllic place in the midst of the Juan de Fuca Strait where rare species of seal lions, birds and aquatic animals congregate. Nearby Race Rocks is William Head, a beautiful peninsula that is currently home to William Head Institution, a medium security prison. Surrounded on three sides by water, this breakthtaking spot has views of both Victoria, Race Rocks and the white peaks of the Olympic Mountains of the United States.

Mega Bucks Inc., a large fictional corporation, has announced that it is proposing to lease the property from the federal government and build a luxury hotel. Catering to the rich and famous, MegaBucks says that this hotel will be the most prestigious in the world and will “bring recognition to the plight of the Northern Steller Sea Lion and abalone”! To close the deal, MegaBucks has said that they are willing to give the government millions of dollars to lease the land over 99 years. Money will also be set aside to set up a scholarship fund for local, underprivileged children. As well, they are willing to pay taxes to Metchosin which is the local municipality. Metchosin has experienced capital shortfalls recently and might welcome the income. However, the building of this hotel over the next year will undoubtedly increase road traffic, construction noise and once built, the number of tourism boats, helicopters and automobiles travelling in and out of Metchosin. Finally, local First Nations groups have not yet been consulted as to what they think of the use of this land.

The application has not been approved because a local citizens group has signed a petition to stop the building of the hotel and instead has applied to the Federal Government to make William Head and the surrounding waterfront a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that will guard it from all development. Rather than impose a solution, the Federal Government has chosen to let the community decide what it wants to do with the land. So, a public debate is to be held to decide the future of this beautiful property.

Many groups who support the hotel or the establishment of an MPA have expressed their interest in speaking at the forum, in order to sway public opinion to their cause, but they want a professional to speak for them. They have hired you to represent them at the forum. You have to argue the position of the people you represent convincingly and see that your client’s needs are perceived as more important than anyone else’s. You must sway the townspeople of Metchosin to vote your way!

The panel making the final decision is comprised of you and members of the local community. All persons involved in this debate are interested in both in creating a local economy around Metchosin’s natural beauty and preserving its pastoral setting. After all have spoken and debating the two choices, a vote is to be held at the end which will determine the future of William Head.

The Debate Question is: Should Metchosin allow a hotel to be built at William Head or should it be designated as a Marine Protected Area?

Go to Activity Sheet A to learn more about Metchosin and MPAs. Then gather information about your client using Activity Sheet B. Good luck!