"Views of the Salish Sea" presents a varied history of the Salish Sea

   by Keith and Heather Nicol

Add this new book to your bookcase

     Views of the Salish Sea by Howard MacDonald Stewart is a new book that will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in the Salish Sea. With roughly 2/3rds of British Columbia’s population living near Georgia Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca (the Salish Sea) it is now one of the fastest growing places in Canada.  Historically it was also an attractive place to live and this has meant that there have been many changes that have occurred related to resources, interactions with first nations people, recreation and water pollution. The book focuses on a mix of these topics spanning the changes that have occurred in the last 150 years. Chapter headings include the sea as a barrier and highway, interactions with native peoples and early settlement, on shore activities like mining and forestry, fishing and aquaculture, the sea as a waste dump, and recreation on and along the Salish Sea. The final chapter deals with what the future might hold for this important body of water.

 The book will appeal to anyone interested in a history of this area from a variety of viewpoints. As newcomers to this area (we moved to Courtenay 3 years ago) we enjoyed seeing how local aspects of history fit into the larger narrative. For instance we like hiking and exploring the area around Union Bay (just south of Courtenay) and enjoyed seeing old photos of some of the coal washing infrastructure that was built in the late 1880’s on Baynes Sound.  Coal was mined in Cumberland and shipped out at Union Bay. Views of the Salish Sea links this activity at Union Bay to some of the other coal mining operations owned by the Dunsmuir’s in Nanaimo.

Heather at the old coal washing area at Union Bay

   We also enjoyed reading about Mack Laing (whose old house we have walked past many times near Brooklyn Creek in Comox) and how he promoted an appreciation of natural history. Evidently he was one of several naturalists and artists who were attracted to the Comox Valley for its beauty and wildlife. The book is also critical of how we managed resource extraction issues of over fishing or overharvesting of timber and how we have mismanaged municipal sewage and pulp mill effluent . The author reminds us that this attitude must change and “it is our duty to care for this place with the care it deserves”. Views of the Salish Sea is published by Harbour Publishing and is a worthy addition to your bookcase. For more information see: www.harbourpublishing.com

Mack Laing historic house along the Comox waterfront