Dear Mayor Milne and Councillors:
The proposed $5.2-million metering plan will not solve our water supply problem. In its place, I propose a far more effective initiative – pipe water from Clowhom Lake and follow Portland, Oregon’s successful example of providing a reliable water supply while creating hydro-electricity from the water pipes.
This would be a win-win for the SCRD and the Sechelt (shíshálh) First Nation (with its run-of-the-river program). Both governments could come to an equitable agreement whereby cost and savings would be shared. In the fall, when the water is needed for salmon, divert the Clowhom water back into the river, and start drawing down from Edwards and Chapman. This would allow enough water for both the Chapman salmon run and the Salmon River run.
Fraser McArter, West Sechelt
