|
Calendar of Events & special Dates
The Referendum
The Alternatives
Letters written and who to write
Articles Published
Contact Council |
How will you be affected by a sewer system?
By Katy Mateer
to the Sooke News Mirror, March 28, 2001
It’s not surprising the mayor and council don’t want a referendum on the Sooke sewer plan. If any real discussion about this issue was allowed in this community, it would become clear that the important issue is not even really about the pros or cons of sewers, and certainly not about environmental protection.
Even the biologist who was asked to speak to the impact of such a system acknowledged at the public meeting that he hadn’t seriously investigated the environmental impacts but had done a "brief review." This sewer proposal is really about facilitating growth.
The miscalculations in the incorporation study, along with the "ready to spend" high paid council members have made for less money in the community coffers than anticipated. Our less-than-budget-minded council is seeking tax revenue and apparently sees growth and property development as the only answer. But at what cost and at whose bidding?
When I chaired the committee developing the last Local Area Plan, I repeatedly heard citizens talking about preserving a rural character, fixing roads and traffic patterns for people who live here now, and ensuring a safe and livable community. No one said "I’d like to look like Langford and Colwood," but unfortunately it seems that kind of growth and densification is exactly the model that is being adopted.
The last Local Area Plan allowed for increases and managed growth for the foreseeable future using existing infrastructure and requiring new development to implement on-site treatment facilities, to be paid for at the developer’s expense. The proposed sewer system will provide the infrastructure for rapid high density development - paid for in a large part by the tax dollars of current residents. Is this what you moved to Sooke for?
Think about how you will be affected by this new model for the District of Sooke and make your voice heard accordingly. Call or write your council members and make them aware of your wishes, before they pave paradise and put up a parking lot (with septic lines conveniently hidden underneath).
|
Email WRATH