Editor:
As I watch the rain drumming down I am reminded of the irony that we’ll probably be at Stage 4 water restriction in about six months’ time. Three years ago when we had the severe water shortage, the short-term plan was to increase the flow from Chapman Lake and to focus on permanent solutions. Since that time, nothing tangible.
In the meantime, we have seen significant population growth, both through new people locating here, and part-time residents retiring and becoming full-time residents. The demand continues to increase and we really see nothing in terms of a comprehensive plan and timetable coming out of the SCRD.
I was disappointed to read that the new SCRD chair is Mr. Milne, the mayor of Sechelt. His reputation as mayor is certainly not of a person who gets things done. Somehow the message has to get out that this problem needs to be solved and solved quickly. No more studies, endless meetings, endless hand wringing.
In addition to the issue of people wanting to maintain gardens is the fire risk associated with lengthy water restrictions. The Interior fires last summer and those currently in Northern California highlight the extreme danger associated with tinder dry conditions in residential communities.
Compounding all of this will likely be a dose of civil disobedience as some ignore the restrictions out of sheer frustration over the glacial speed at which this problem is being addressed.
Ivan Thompson, Sechelt
