Editor:
Re: May 24 article, “Council asked to explain why George isn’t paying for Prowse Rd. lift station,” and May 10 Notice of Alternative Approval Process (AAP).
The work on the lift station has been on the books since 2006. Why did the Town not borrow the money to do this work sooner?
The news item says the lift station operates at half capacity because the sewage treatment plant isn’t configured to handle any more effluent. So from that statement and especially from staff reports, can we conclude that the work planned for the treatment plant is also about handling expanded flows from proposed new development?
Why is no mention made in the AAP of the proposed George condo development project and the extra burden it will place on the lift station?
The lift station has been a point of discussion since the George condos were first proposed. It serves only the lower reaches of the town where there has been no other significant development nor will there be because the George was a one-off spot-zoning. Thus, any increased demand on the lift station is due either wholly or in large part to this proposed condo development.
The Town of Gibsons Subdivision and Development Servicing and Storm Water Management Bylaw stipulates that “except as herein specially provided, all works and services REQUIRED to be constructed and installed SHALL BE completed at the expense of the developer.”
A staff report from the July 28, 2015 council meeting states: “However, the Prowse Road lift station has been identified as requiring an upgrade to accommodate the project. This upgrading cost would be funded by the development.”
Why are we taxpayers being asked to approve borrowing $1,758,000 for an infrastructure project that the developer is required to pay for?
Judith Hammill, Gibsons
