Editor:
Sechelt mayor and council announced Feb. 5 that construction of a wastewater treatment plant would commence immediately on the Ebbtide property.
As this plant will be the first of its kind in North America, shouldn't council have examined some of the existing plants in Europe and Asia in order to make an informed decision?
We are now told the multi-million dollar "first of its kind" sewer treatment plant is definitely going to start immediately on the Ebbtide property - a property that has for many years suffered the affects of mechanical oils, gas, antifreeze, grease, cleaning chemicals and other contaminates, possibly causing polluted soil and run-off, which drains into our water systems. It would be unthinkable to build a new system on top of a polluted site.
If this is such a great deal for Sechelt, why has no municipality in North America jumped on it before us? When did council provide opportunity for public input as to cost and location? What environmental and wildlife studies were completed before signing a deal?
Residents relied on the District's long-term goal to relocate the Ebbtide plant and were delighted to learn of the District's land purchase (Lot L, on Dusty Road) for the new facility.
We need to have several public meetings so we, the people of Sechelt, can decide what facility we want and need and where it should be located. Let us request council to hold public meetings immediately. Why was it left to the bidding companies to identify their preferred location without input from the public? Why the rush? Does council have a hidden agenda?
Betty-Anne Pap,
Sandor Pap, Sechelt
