shíshálh Nation is seeking a scope change to its preliminary approval for $117 million in federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation funding (DMAF) for two drinking water reservoirs and treatment plant upgrades. It wants to explore alternatives to the waterline site (on the Heidelberg mine lands) for the second holding area, according to a presentation from Nation representatives to a May 1 Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) committee meeting.
Jasmine Paul and Debbie Hendsbee from the Nation provided an update of the initiatives to be covered by the funding, which are to start with the proposed 800 million cubic metre Lower Crown reservoir.
Higher costs, more work to do
Hendsbee, the Nation’s Lower Crown project sponsor, noted that since the 2023 funding application was made, “prices have gone up." The estimated costs for the Lower Crown project are now $33 million, up from the $22.4 million in the DMAF grant for that portion of the work. She stated that provincial Disaster Resilience and Innovation (DRIF) funding “could make up the rest."
She detailed the next steps in proceeding with that first reservoir. Those range from developing a communications plan as well as a relationship agreement and land lease between the Nation and the SCRD, signing a contribution agreement, confirming operating and capital budget arrangements, engagement with the public and public approval processes.
Roberts Creek area director Kelly Backs asked when material to support an SCRD board decision on the type of public approval process (alternative approval or referendum), would be ready. Hendsbee responded that relationship and land lease agreements need to be drafted in advance of those considerations. She said the agreements are being worked on by staff of the two organizations and are anticipated to take three to six months to complete. The public approval processes themselves will also take between three and six months. After those steps, and finalization of a DMAF contribution agreement, final design and then, construction procurement for the Lower Crown reservoir could proceed.
Questions answered
During the public question period, it was asked why upgrades to the regional water treatment plant were needed. SCRD infrastructure services general manager Remko Rosenboom explained that more water treatment capacity would be needed, but only with the construction of the second reservoir.
The same individual questioned whether investment of around $100 million in the two reservoirs that require pumps to lift water to the treatment plant was the best investment. He noted that the SCRD has done planning for a larger reservoir (Site B) above the plant, that would not need pumping infrastructure or on-going pump operations costs.
Hendsbee reiterated that the location of the second reservoir is proposed to change. Although she said she was not able to share details on alternative locations under consideration, she responded to the question with “I think you will be happy."
Stating that there is “still so much work to do...still more answers to get to the public,” Sechelt area director and SCRD board chair Alton Toth thanked the delegation for its presentation.
