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Council's Track Record
How Council Voted on Sewer Contracts
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September 2005 (Last Updated: 16 Sep 05)
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At a special meeting on August 2, 2005, over 300 residents packed the Mary Winspear Centre to see if Council would vote to award a contract to install sewers for the Deep Cove, Patricia Bay and McDonald Park project.
The project drew attention from residents when Council revealed that costs had risen by 85% to $17,952 per lot, not including household hook-up.
Of the 35 residents who spoke, 23 spoke against and 12 spoke in favour of the project. Those in favour of the project said that it was “time to get on with things,” and the project application had been ongoing long enough. Those against the project argued that the sewering process had been undemocratic, less expensive alternatives had not been considered, and the proposed sewer pipe ignored the larger issue of storm water runoff which is potentially degrading the water quality of our streams and beaches. Some residents expressed concern that the unexpected costs would force them from their homes.
During Council’s discussion on the motion, Councillors Goulet and Thomas agreed that the costs were too high, the outcomes ambiguous, and the impact on young families and older people on fixed incomes too great. Mayor Daly and Councillor Utley did not offer comment either for or against the project.
Councillor Anny Scoones indicated that she was also concerned about the rise in cost. “It never occurred to me that the cost would almost double in a year because of inflation.” Scoones went on to ask Chief Administrative Officer Bruce Williams, “What are our chances of getting additional grants?” As before, Williams reported that staff had met with MLA Murray Coell who implied that the ministry is willing to accept a grant application even though the deadline had passed.
“I would also like to assure the public,” stated Scoones, “that if the sewer is implemented we reiterate through zoning that development along the corridor be prevented.” Councillor Goulet then informed Scoones that the report from District Engineer Tim Tanton submitted in April 05 concluded that there is no viable means of controlling development along sewer corridors (see Thin Edges and Wedges ).
Councillor Goulet followed up by asking Councillor Thomas if he would leave the meeting with her so that there would not be a quorum and the motion would not go forward. The response from Thomas was that although he did not agree with the motion, he would not walk away.
Voting on the motion to award contracts to install sewers in the Deep Cove and Patricia Bay areas:
For
- Mayor Ted Daly
- Councillor Anthony Utley
- Councillor Anny Scoones
Against
- Councillor Heather Goulet
- Councillor Keith Thomas
See Minutes: August 2 Special Council Meeting
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