Editor:
I wholeheartedly agree with letter writer Brian Carson who last week suggested that the SCRD ask BC Parks to reconsider its decision not to allow any upgrades to our infrastructure on Chapman Lake (“Enough water in Chapman”).
When the park was created it was expected that the works in place could be upgraded in the future. BC Parks has allowed a private company to build a gondola in a nearby Squamish park, but not our local government to bring adequate water to Coast residents.
Further to Brian’s points I would add that the environmental impact of upgrading our existing reservoir (Chapman Lake) would pale compared to building a brand new reservoir, with 45-foot-high earthen walls on a 47-hectare site, albeit not in a park. I believe the costs of an artificial reservoir would be much higher.
I suggest the SCRD ask staff to prepare a report comparing Chapman Lake with Site A, the most likely of the four potential reservoirs, with regards to the costs, impacts and timelines. If the results greatly favour Chapman then let’s lobby Premier Horgan and Minister Heyman to reconsider. I would hope and expect that the numerous people who have written the Coast Reporter on the water issue are willing to write to the province in support of a good, affordable supply of water. I certainly will.
Geoff Craig, Sechelt
