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Sewer system open house [March 14, 2001] a disappointment
by A. Dacombe in Sooke News Mirror, March 21, 2001
The public meeting on sewers was a disappointment; not for the tedium of the technical reports, which, to the public’s surprise, lasted almost one and one-half hours, but because some simple questions were not answered.
What’s the rush?
The pursuit of a grant is always important but before applying, proper preparation, in all dimensions, is essential.
The grants will be there to apply for next year and the time could have been used to properly advise and prepare the paying citizens of Sooke.
Further, not knowing even approximately the possible cost to each "connected" citizen is lamentable. An excellent question from the floor indicated that this lady had researched the matter with authorities in Colwood with experience of these connection costs, who advised her connection costs would be between $5,000-$10,000 dollars per household.
Our council staff preferred to say "we don’t know yet," despite an apparent requirement they submit costs with the grant application.
There are other examples of either lack of preparation or failure to examine alternatives. One perceptive questioner asked the cost to move from the recommended secondary treatment system to a tertiary, a more complete alternative. Differing answers were inadequately confirmed and an excellent point was left unresolved.
Whatever the outcome of the grant application; we are told three months may be needed; the staff and council need to do some work. prepare a clear proposal of costs and suggestions and send it to each citizen to read and ponder.
Communication is so important to goodwill and forward momentum. There was puzzlement and suspicion at the public meeting and it behooves council to work harder to satisfy the people of Sooke.
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