The Victoria Times Colonist reported that Compliance Energy Corp of Vancouver is hoping to build the Raven Underground Coal Project, a 3,100 hectare mine near Fanny Bay.

The controversial project will undergo a joint federal and provincial environmental review; the pre-application stage was recently completed.

The protest was organized by Denman Island residents, who have named themselves the Water Dragon Alliance. The prop for the protest was a sixmetre Chinese New Year dragon.

Ms Dianne Radmore one of the organizers said that the dragon represents boldness, perseverance and overcoming obstacles in Chinese mythology.

She said that "The dragon from Denman is a symbol of solidarity with the thousands of protesters demonstrating against the expansion of coal-fired plants in China, as well as with communities throughout the Vancouver Island region.”

Compliance's 40% shareholders are I Comox Coal Inc a subsidiary of Hochu Corp. of Japan, and a subsidiary of LG Int Corp of South Korea.

Speakers at the rally raised concerns about the effect the mine would have on Baynes Sound shellfish aquaculture, drinking water and the environment.

(Sourced from The Victoria Times Colonist)