Our South Coast Ship Watch Alliance has lost a most dedicated and passionate advocate in our efforts to protect this special place. Just a short month ago, Chris Straw died in a tragic construction accident on Gabriola Island, a place he loved.
After a distinguished career at CBC Chris turned his talents to photography, capturing beautiful images of our coastlines and the many natural wonders of the Salish Sea. Perhaps it was this passion that enabled him to dedicate his many organizational and communication skills to become a driving force against the pressure to fill our waters with commercial freighters.
Chris firmly believed that the negative environmental impacts of using the waters of the Southern Gulf Islands for industrial use and freighter anchorages are not compatible with the conservation of the natural treasures in these special islands. He worked hard to bring these issues to the public’s attention and also helped to bring together our coastal community groups as an Alliance with common goals and a strong voice.
We invite you to take a few silent minutes in memory and in honour of Chris’ life and work, by visiting his virtual art gallery. Allow yourself to be touched by his sensitive images and impressions of our islands.
Thanks to Chris we are inspired to be more dedicated than ever in our resolve to carry on with the goal of protecting this beautiful, yet fragile part of Canada.
