Hope, BC: A Place Worth Protecting
Hope, British Columbia, has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up there, surrounded by its breathtaking landscapes—the turbulent, muddy Fraser River carving its way through the valley and the striking blue-green waters of the Coquihalla. It’s a pristine place, a gateway to the wilderness, but now it faces yet another threat: a proposed gravel pit expansion that could scar the land forever.
My Deep Roots in Hope
My great-great-grandfather, John Enos (Joao Ignacio d'Almada), nearly drowned on a raft during the Gold Rush, trying to navigate the mighty Fraser. My parents owned a small resort nine miles north of Hope until my father passed, and my mother moved us away. But even as life took me elsewhere, Hope always called me back.
During the early days of COVID, I returned and spent two months there, alone, riding my bike through its quiet streets, rediscovering the beauty I had always cherished. It felt untouched, sacred—until I noticed the changes.
The Changing Face of Hope
Housing was nearly impossible to find. Trans Mountain Pipeline (TMX) workers had rented out motels and homes, driving prices sky-high. A darkness seemed to hang over the town—not just from the environmental strain but from something deeper. Women had gone missing, and during my stay, search efforts uncovered a murder victim. The energy felt unsettling. I ultimately left because I no longer felt safe.
Now, on top of all this, they want to expand a gravel pit?
Why We Need to Fight Back
The proposed expansion of the Hope Ready Mix Ltd. gravel pit on Kettle Valley Road would devastate the environment and the community. The plan includes:
- Expanding the mining area to 50 hectares, affecting already fragile ecosystems.
- Increased truck traffic, bringing dust, noise, and safety concerns.
- A threat to tourism, which thrives on Hope’s stunning landscapes and outdoor appeal.
The Community Speaks
A town hall meeting was held, where over 300 residents voiced their concerns, yet representatives from the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals failed to show up. If they won’t listen, we have to make them.
A petition, Stop the Hope Cemetery Pit Expansion, is already gathering signatures. But we need more voices.
What You Can Do
- Sign the Petition – Stop the Hope Cemetery Pit Expansion
- Email Decision Makers – Tell them this project is NOT welcome in Hope.
- Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals: SouthwestMinesDivision@gov.bc.ca
- Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport: TACS.minister@gov.bc.ca
- Hope’s Mayor and Council – Demand they take a stand.
- Share This Story – The more people who know, the louder our voices become.
Hope Deserves Better
I understand the fear of speaking out. I’ve seen too many cases where corporations push through their plans, ignoring the voices of the people. But I also know that silence guarantees defeat. With so many fires, floods, and environmental crises happening around us, we cannot afford to let this happen.
Hope, BC, is more than just a town—it’s a place of history, natural beauty, and community. Let’s fight for it before it’s too late.
Are you with me?
Remember you can also
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