The SCRD “Water Dialogues” at the Gibsons Legion was well attended by Elphinstone residents – making up about three-quarters of the audience – armed with lots of questions. SCRD board directors and staff presented the clear message that a more diverse water supply is their number one priority. Board chair Lori Pratt and staff presenter Remko Rosenboom could not have been more clear about the increasing effects of climate change leading to ever more intense summer droughts. They acknowledged that the SCRD has lagged behind on the need to diversify its water supply. With the snow pack only half of normal, this summer is shaping up to be difficult. It’s up to all of us to conserve our precious water, which arrives in most of our homes via an expensive, well-run treatment plant relying on a single source – Chapman Creek, fed by a fragile alpine lake.
The good news is that the SCRD is working hard on the issue – the most promising short-term solution is an aquifer in the Granthams area (completely separate from the Gibsons aquifer) with good quality, abundant water. A man-made reservoir has a bigger financial price-tag and will still utilize the Chapman system but is being planned for the long term. SCRD rural areas, including Elphinstone, now have water meters installed and the process has turned up some huge leaks. The majority of property owners are responsibly attending to those.
At the June meeting of the Elphinstone Community Association, several volunteer firefighters were there to along with Rick Ruth who gave a hands-on demonstration of how to properly use a fire extinguisher. They answered many questions about household fire emergencies and filled our ears with cautionary tales. The main takeaway was – other than in cases of a small, easily extinguished fire – call the fire department! The main killer is fumes and today’s electronics and household appliances give off toxic fumes.
Following the demonstration, director Donna McMahon gave a director’s report and answered residents questions. She announced that the grant-in-aid that the association applied for to complete the Gower Point Beach cleanup was granted by the SCRD. Now to get those totes removed!
There are no ECA meetings for July and August, but a community barbecue at Chaster House is planned for Saturday, July 13 from 4 to 9 p.m. Bring potluck plus your own plates and cutlery; the association will provide tea, coffee, juice and items for the barbecue. Everyone is welcome, including families; there will be games and activities for children. Come and hang out down at the beach with your neighbours!
A recent browse on the SCRD website https://www.scrd.ca: turned up public notices (including water regulations), parks and trails and guidelines about SCRD regulations and bylaws. You can also sign up for a monthly newsletter at: https://www.scrd.ca/Newsletter-Signup. Interested in renting Frank West Hall or Chaster House? You can contact Linda Horsman at http://www.scrd.ca/Halls
Contact me with community news at: [email protected].
