|
Council's Track Record
How Council Voted on Sewers
|
Winter 2004 (Last Updated: 4 Dec 04)
|
At a special meeting on June 28, 2004, Council agreed to move to the detailed design phase of the Deep Cove, Pat Bay, and McDonald Park Sewer Project.
The debate over sewers for Deep Cove has raged in North Saanich for years (see Solving the Sewer War). Sewer proponents have argued that sewers are needed to rectify failing septic systems and foreshore pollution; opponents have argued that a pollution problem has never been quantified, that more environmentally friendly and less expensive solutions are available, and that sewers are the soft underbelly of urban sprawl (see Sewers and Development: Making the Connection).
The controversy has been exacerbated by Council’s decision to proceed with the project without the approval of the property owners who are required to pay for the system and its soaring costs (the system is already 60% over original budget estimates) — see Sewer Shock Hits North Saanich. The collection system will cost each property owner at least $13,877 in year one (assuming a one-time payment and only $2000 for connection charges). Property owners who add the cost to their property taxes and amortize it over 15 years, will pay a total of about $20,530 (assuming 6% interest). Related operating and other costs will add at least another $330 annually.
At the June 28th meeting, Council voted in favour of commencing with the construction of the Deep Cove and Pat Bay sewer system in February 2005, with a target completion date of March 31, 2006. Council also voted in favour of amending By-law 978 (Deep Cove/Patricia Bay Sewer Collection Systems Specified Area: sewer area no. 3) to include the McDonald Park Road area. For additional details see District of North Saanich Council Minutes, June 28, 2004.
For
- Mayor Ted Daly
- Councillor Bill Bird
- Councillor Anny Scoones
- Councillor Anthony Utley
Against
- Councillor Heather Goulet
Absent
- Councillor Dorothy Hartshorne
- Councillor Keith Thomas
|
