|
Calendar of Events & special Dates
The Referendum
The Alternatives
Letters written and who to write
Articles Published
Contact Council |
Keith Martin Answers Questions in Sooke, March 7, 2001
Here is a highlight summary of some of the discussion between Keith Martin and residents in Sooke on March 7 about the sewerage issue, amongst many other issues discussed that evening.
- Keith said he would support Sookes application for infrastructure grant funds because Mayor Ed told Keith that the majority of the community supported the sewer treatment system.
The majority of Sooke does not support a sewer treatment system and the residents of Sooke have not had an opportunity to vote on a referendum on this question.
-
A question was posed about the value of the democratic process and the promise of a referendum made by Mayor Ed, which was withdrawn. Keith was not aware that this was a concern to the community and asks individuals to send him their concerns in a letter.
- The qustion was posed about the potential amalgamation with Metchosin versus amalgamation with Sooke. Some residents in East Sooke are very concerned that they will be forced to pay for new infrastructure in Sooke, such as the sewer treatment system, which will not benefit them. They also voiced concern that local government is not listening to their concerns.
Keith responded that if an individual feels that they are not being heard by local government, then he urges them to write him directly and Keith will personally take it up with our local Mayor.
-
A question was posed about the cummulative effects of sewage outfalls into the marine environment on the west coast of BC; this is a local, regional, provincial, national, and international concern. There are alternatives to outfalls, such as closed loop tertiary treatment.
Keith responded that the proposed sewerage system provides secondary treatment and is better than what they have in Victoria.
The resident persisted. Even so, the effluent will still contain harmful contaminants, and the combined effects of every sewage outfall on the coast must be considered, both short term and long term.
Furthermore, the approving commitees for the applications for grant funds must consider applying the precautionary principle on this issue on a broader scale.
Keith asked for a letter with more information about costs and alternatives to secondary sewage treatment.
In conclcusion, it was an excellent turn out from our community.
We urge residents to write letters directly to Keith Martin, and to also carbon copy Keith Martin and other political officials on letters that are sent to any other persons on this issue.
We have provided you with information on how to contact Dr. Keith Martin, and other MP's by mail, email, fax, and their websites on our Letters Page.
We would also be willing to answer any questions you may have about this issue.
|
Email WRATH