Port Alberni Mayor Mike Ruttan doesn’t like the fact that Island Timberlands has changed their minds to meet with council, but he understands their concern.
He said it became apparent to the forest company officials about the opposition they could meet from angry members of the public in the small council chambers, so they backed out of tonight’s regular meeting.
Ruttan said the company will send a letter documenting their reasons for locking gates and what they have been doing in terms of permitting public access to their private lands.
He said a public meeting with Island Timberlands and Timberwest officials could still happen, but it would probably be in a larger venue.
