Area A regional district director John Rees said it best Tuesday night - if you want to pack a room in Pender Harbour - put water on the agenda.
Filling the Royal Canadian Legion in Madeira Park to standing room only were hundreds of Area A residents eager to discuss the final draft of the water master plan.
"This has been a long process, and we have developed what we believe to be an excellent blueprint," Rees said.
While area residents were all in favour of the draft proposal, some raised concerns regarding the Sakinaw Lake application."It's a tough job, but we know this is a good plan and we just have to carry on and deal with the environment issues," said Steve Lee, general manager of infrastructure services at the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD). "We are trying to facilitate growth and safety. We don't take sides one way or the other. We see ourselves as public service orientated. What plans call for, that's what we'll try to get."
Population growth pushed developers to draft a proposal for water sustainability for the future.
"While there are issues that need to be investigated further, this plan allows us to ask for funding to complete the studies needed," said Rees.
Area taxes also came up during the meeting.
"We will need to fundraise $75,000 per year, which works out to be .05 cents per $1,000," Rees explained.
These new figures will be in addition to water taxes paid in January and again in July.
"On a property valued at $300,000, the taxes would work out to be $15, which will have nothing to do with our local water taxes," said Rees.
Pending a feasibility grant from the SCRD in the amount of $20,000, the project could be completed in three to five years.
"We really do need some funding," said Rees. "All the water providers on the Sunshine Coast would benefit from this plan."
Residents seemed eager to see studies done on the environmental sustainability of the draft proposal, and many were encouraged with the final draft.
