It’s probably no secret to most, but Area A is soon to undergo major flooding… in the form of a water debate. Interested parties are right now preparing their strategies for what could quickly become an ugly political battle.
On Jan. 19, the SCRD adopted the final amendments to the "Area A Water Master Plan" and it will soon be made available to the public. The WMP was initiated and developed by the Sunshine Coast Regional District to study water quality on the Sunshine Coast and to propose solutions for long term improvements. The plan was developed by representatives from our local water boards, Dept. of Fisheries, conservation groups and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, with the majority of the group composed of representatives from the SCRD.
It has already been disclosed that recommendations included in the plan will include a sufficient budget, based on assessed need, and Area A has been allocated $6.91 million, the highest on the Sunshine Coast. The WMP should not be confused with the "Drinking Water Source-to-Tap Assessment," initiated by the South Pender Harbour Water District.
Unlike SCRD-managed water systems like the newly formed North Pender Harbour Waterworks District, the SPHWD is an independent water improvement district and, as such, will not necessarily qualify for projects proposed in the water master plan because only municipalities and regional districts qualify for infrastructure funding. The Source-to-Tap was initiated by the SPHWD to "identify hazards and vulnerabilities that may threaten the safety and sustainability of the water supply" but also to demonstrate to the provincial government that well-run water improvement districts should be eligible for infrastructure funding.
Such funding would allow the SPHWD to construct a multi-barrier water treatment system, estimated by some at $2.5 million. Without infrastructure funding, this system would place a heavy burden on the local ratepayer. The results of both studies will be available soon but it seems clear that there is already some advance posturing by interested stakeholders.
Our Area A representative, John Rees, seems to favour the amalgamation of water districts under a consolidated SCRD management system. The SPHWD board is also preparing a reaction to the inevitable question of whether or not control should be granted to the SCRD. The vigorous debate should provide positive steps to improve our water quality throughout Area A .
I’m satisfied all involved have the best interests of our local water supply at stake and one thing all parties agree on is that there is a need for improvement but that is clearly where the agreement ends. Many questions still need to be answered and hopefully they will soon.For instance, is it still OK to pee while you’re swimming in Garden Bay Lake if you live on Francis Peninsula?
I don’t see why not. Nobody drinks our tap water anymore anyway.
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