Editor:
Re: “Spend money on supply” by MJ Lord, Letters, June 11.
Yes, we hear you! Expanding and investing in our water supply is one of the SCRD’s priorities. Having said that, major infrastructure can cost millions of dollars, and yes, can take several years to complete the environmental and engineering work, and get the required permits. Staff updated the SCRD Board on the Church Road Well Field project at the last Infrastructure Services Committee meeting. Discussions are ongoing to ensure that this project will not impact the Town of Gibsons’ water supply or the Squamish Nation’s interests in the area. Once these discussions conclude and a Water Licence is obtained, the SCRD will start construction, aiming for completion by next year.
As part of the 2021 budget, the Board approved the development of two new wells in Langdale, working towards completion by 2024. The Board also approved a budget to assess if Maryanne West Park in Elphinstone would impact the Gibsons water supply. The Board is also reviewing potential treatment system upgrades at our current intake at Gray Creek to draw more water. We are doing our due diligence, and if these projects proceed, it would be a huge win for this community, in terms of increasing water supply.
While the SCRD is investing in water supply, we are also aware that saving water through the Water Meter Program is actually cheaper compared to developing more water supply sources beyond the Church Road and Langdale Well Field projects currently underway. Completing the Water Meter Program would also increase our chances of securing provincial and federal grants for water infrastructure projects.
We agree that we need the new wells and more water available as soon as possible. But why would we only increase our water supply, pay for the additional treatment and distribution, only to let water go to waste?
Lori Pratt,
Chair & Director Area B (Halfmoon Bay),
Sunshine Coast Regional District
