- SAANICH PENINSULA WASTE WATER COMMISSION MEETS 10 NOV
- LETTER: SEWAGE TREATMENT TOO EXPENSIVE, TOO POLLUTING
- ESQUIMALT: MEET THE CANDIDATES (several sewage mentions)
- MAYORAL DEBATE BECOMES EXERCISE IN POLITENESS (sewage mention)
- HARO WOODS CRD BOARD REPORT
(Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee meeting of November 9, 2011 has been cancelled.)
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Saanich Peninsula Treatment Plant Meeting Room
9055 Mainwaring Road
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 9:15 a.m.
4. Regional Source Control Program – Annual Report 2010 and Five-year Implementation Plan (2011-2015)
Report: http://www.crd.bc.ca/
5. Stormwater Source Control – Transfer of Authority Report:
http://www.crd.bc.ca/reports/
6. Thermal Energy Recovery System (verbal report)
- Update on Project Monitoring
- Update on Kelset School Business Case
7. Biosolids Management Program – Options for Moving Forward
Report: http://www.crd.bc.ca/reports%
AGENDA: http://www.crd.bc.ca/
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LETTER: SEWAGE TREATMENT TOO EXPENSIVE, TOO POLLUTING
Letters
Goldstream Gazette
November 03, 2011 9:18 AM
Re: Capital region must build sewage treatment, Letters, Oct. 25, 2011.
Langford Coun. Denise Blackwell tells us we have to comply with the provincial mandate to treat our sewage, a perfectly useless project of colossal cost.
We don’t. Surely it is better to fight back. I say we should fight as hard as possible to prevent this total waste of a billion dollars that will create huge environmental damage when we dispose of millions of tons of sewage sludge.
If the sludge is burnt, as she suggests, we will add many tons of carbon dioxide to an overloaded atmosphere.
We presently have one of the finest sewage disposal systems in the world. All the scientists who have examined it tell us that.
When will our Capital Regional District board members, mayors and councillors stand up to the provincial government and fight to have this boondoggle cancelled before it adds many thousands of dollars to the tax bills of citizens of the Capital Region.
We should all be asking our candidates for mayor and council what their stand is on this enormous waste of money.
Ian Brown
View Royal
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ARESST: Excerpts of Esquimalt candidates sewage mention from article below:
Hundleby: Socio-economic impacts of sewage treatment.
McKie: Sewage needs a good long look.
Morrison: Stopping the CRD sewage plan boondoggle.
ESQUIMALT: MEET THE CANDIDATES (several sewage mentions)
Times Colonist
November 05, 2011
For Esquimalt Council:
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins was acclaimed this year but with a number of veteran councillors retiring, there will be no shortage of new faces on council after Nov. 19.
Councillors Don Linge and Ali Gaul are not seeking re-election, and former councillor Randall Garrison's seat is up for grabs after he was elected as the NDP MP for Esquimalt Juan de Fuca. In all, eight candidates are vying for six available council seats.
MEAGAN BRAME, CHILD-CARE OWNER
- What are the top three issues?
Open, transparent government.
Keeping taxes down - I want to hear from residents about what they really want and need in the way of services.
Policing - we need to deal with this issue.
- Why should people vote for you?
I am approachable and listen.
If I don't have the answers, I try to find them.
I make sure that children, youth and families have the services they need in our community and that their voices are heard in all areas of the township. I have a strong community spirit that shows through and I am out there in the community every day.
I truly follow our motto of live, work and play in Esquimalt.
SANDRA DIXON, RETIRED
- What are the top three issues?
Police. Size of community growth.
Light rapid transit.
- Why should people
vote for you?
I have lived in Esquimalt for 41 years and people know me.
When I was working, people trusted me.
I'm not a businesswoman, just a resident who listens to people in the community.
What are the best things about your community?
DAVE HODGINS, CONSULTANT
- What are the top three issues?
From my communication with Esquimalt citizens, the top three issues are: Affordable taxation.
Sustainable growth and development.
Quality public safety services - for example, policing.
- Why should people vote for you?
I'm hoping that voters will consider my extensive municipal government experience and track record of success.
My experience includes: - a demonstrated real passion for public service throughout an extensive and successful career, having served municipally as a firefighter and fire chief and provincially as assistant deputy minister/fire commissioner.
- a consistent record of listening to stakeholders and the public and commitment to ensuring taxes are affordable and that they are used in a transparent, respectful, responsible and prudent manner.
- actively engaging individuals, business and community groups.
LYNDA HUNDLEBY, RETIRED
- What are the top three issues?
There are four: Rising property taxes. Emergency and protective services.
Socio-economic impacts of sewage treatment.
Height and density in development.
- Why should people vote for you?
I have depth of experience, as a three-term councillor with a background of government skill sets and an abiding commitment to Esquimalt, demonstrated by my extensive and significant history of community involvement.
I work co-operatively and in respectful collaboration with others at the council table and in committees within Esquimalt and beyond our borders.
When voting, I make my decisions based on facts, economic advice, experience, public opinion and, when necessary, legal counsel.
BOB MCKIE, RETIRED
- What are the top three issues?
Accountability to the people of Esquimalt. Town centre as to what will be built and to what height.
Policing in Esquimalt - who will have that job and for how long Sewage needs a good long look.
- Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me as I will give 110 per cent of my energy to make sure the people of Esquimalt are kept up to date on major issues that need their input before the project and not after, and that the staff are accountable for their position so we are getting the best job from them for the dollar.
TIM MORRISON, COMMUNICATIONS CO-ORDINATOR, B.C. ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY
- What are the top three issues?
Smarter, more careful budgeting and property tax relief.
Open, transparent communication on Esquimalt's future policing services and costs.
Stopping the CRD sewage plan boondoggle.
- Why should people vote for you?
The majority of our next council will be new. It is important that new candidates coming forward be able to provide a strong commitment to open communication and connection to the community.
For the past two years, I have been attending the weekly council meetings, observing the council, listening carefully, studying the issues and keeping the community informed.
I am ready to join the council with the essential experience and knowledge base to be an effective councillor for the people of Esquimalt.
Read more at www.TimMorrison.ca
DAVID SCHINBEIN, SECURITY PROFESSIONAL
- What are the top three issues?
Fiscal responsibility. Smart development. Improving infastructure within the municipality.
- Why should people vote for you?
I have experience in municipal politics and my focus will always be to ensure the residents of Esquimalt receive the best value for their tax dollars being spent, even if that means asking tough questions and demanding answers to those questions.
JOSH STEFFLER, BAKER
- What are the top three issues?
Light rail transit - can we afford it?
Policing issues - the people of the community should have had a say.
Sewage treatment plant - again can we afford it? Do the people want it?
- Why should people vote for you?
I ask for your vote because I am a sensible person and a strong leader who is dedicated to listening to the citizens of Esquimalt.
I have a keen interest in maintaining fiscal accountability and not dictating actions to you, but listening to you and asking how you want your tax money spent.
I don't belong to any political party so I have no party leaders to give me orders.
I believe in asking the people what to do rather then telling them.
I believe in local government, not amalgamation.
We can work together on issues such as transportation and infrastructure without merging governments.
For more detailed descriptions of the candidates, and how they stand on key issues, go to timescolonist.com/election
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Excerpt:
Both said that secondary sewage treatment is needed. "The more I talk to people in the region and in Saanich, the more I heard that people do not want to go on for the rest of their lives putting raw sewage into the ocean," Leonard said.
Cubberley, too, said the public wants a change, and it's not safe to put the trace contaminants the public ingests into the ocean.
MAYORAL DEBATE BECOMES EXERCISE IN POLITENESS (sewage mention)
Kim Westad
Times Colonist
November 04, 2011
The first Saanich mayoral debate in the most competitive municipal race in the region was so polite Thursday night that it was more like a fireside chat than a battle between two veteran politicians.
Incumbent mayor Frank Leonard and challenger David Cubberley largely agreed on many issues, from sewage treatment to the need for a strong library system.
About 100 people attended the meeting, cohosted by the QuadraCedar Hill Community Association, the Mount Tolmie Community Association, the Camosun Community Association and the Camosun College Students' Association.
Cubberley and Leonard's portion of the all-candidates meeting was held before the debate between the 12 council candidates.
Each mayoral candidate was given one minute to answer questions that came from the community organizations and the public.
Several times, both Leonard and Cubberley simply said they agreed with the other person, saving time.
"You're not making this easy, gentlemen," said moderator Alan Perry.
Both candidates seemed relaxed and confident. Some of the questions asked only for them to put up their hand to signify yes or no on complex issues. Both agreed that transit and other mass transportation should be dealt with by the region, not B.C. Transit.
Both were strongly opposed to amalgamating Saanich police with other detachments, but said they favoured integration for some services. There would be no advantage to Saanich residents from amalgamation, Cubberley said.
Both said that secondary sewage treatment is needed. "The more I talk to people in the region and in Saanich, the more I heard that people do not want to go on for the rest of their lives putting raw sewage into the ocean," Leonard said.
Cubberley, too, said the public wants a change, and it's not safe to put the trace contaminants the public ingests into the ocean.
Leonard and Cubberley were each given one question to ask of the other, the only time the meeting became a bit heated.
Cubberley was critical of Leonard "taking five years" to buy Panama Flats. Leonard could have had the municipality buy the floodplain land five years ago for much less than it paid earlier this year, he said.
The two even agree on how to handle the deer situation. The region is coming up with a plan outlining the alternatives to deal with the issue. Both said it "wasn't an easy discussion" but the public should give direction on how it wants it dealt with.
Perry asked for a show of hands from the audience on whether they supported a deer cull. Most did.
David Shebib, who is running for mayor in both Saanich and Victoria, did not participate.
I E W ROYAL
In View Royal, veteran Mayor Graham Hill is being challenged by two-term incumbent Coun. Andrew Britton, who topped the polls in 2008 and is looking to diversify the municipality's tax base. Barbara Bishop Fetherstonhaugh is also running for mayor. Six candidates, including three incumbents, are running for the four council seats.
MAYOR
ANDREW BRITTON, PARAMEDIC CHIEF
- What are the top three issues?
Economic development, transportation, upcoming burden on taxpayers - that is, regional sewage, regional transportation and general increase due to inflation.
- Why should people vote for you?
Over the past three years on council, I have seen many residential developments which should have been commercial.
Commercial development will help keep our taxes low and affordable.
BARBARA BISHOP FETHERSTONHAUGH, BUSINESS OWNER
- What are the top three issues?
Taxes increases and cost sharing with the capital region.
The challenge to make all residents and businesses feel connected and safe.
Being proactive with the new official community plan.
- Why should people vote for you?
Because I am passionate about the community, I have lived in all my life, and I will be proactive to all our issues, and will work diligently for the members of our community. I will humble myself to your input, hear your concerns and suggestions and work collaboratively with council, staff and the community to keep View Royal government open, fair, engaging and always community-minded.
Over the past 25 years as a wife, mother and business person in View Royal, I have grown to really appreciate the neighbourhoods, the families and the importance of working hard together.
GRAHAM HILL, MAYOR
- What are the top three issues?
Taxes - Shrinking incomes and compounding taxes.
Transportation - The current governance is inadequate.
Safety and security - In a significant earthquake, the View Royal fire hall will collapse.
- Why should people vote for you?
I have been a full-time mayor who has provided sound leadership and put the interests of View Royal residents first.
Over the past few years, View Royal has been rebranded as an ever-better place to live where property values have held their own and tax rates have remained among the lowest in the region. Grant money has paid for major projects so that taxpayers have not carried the costs of initiatives that transformed the town.
I believe the town needs a strong and respected leader for the challenges ahead.
RON MATTSON, PROJECT MANAGER
- What are the top three issues?
Ongoing increases to municipal taxes.
Diversifying the tax base by encouraging business to relocate in the community.
Improving opportunities for residents to be informed of and involved in decisions.
- Why should people vote for you?
- Experienced - five terms on View Royal council and 25-plus years experience in public administration (program and project management and policy analysis).
- Fair and openminded - I will seek your opinions on important issues, listen to your concerns and act upon them.
- I will not vote to
raise property taxes beyond the provincial rate of inflation (unless I get approval from taxpayers in a referendum) - and will diligently try to get increases lower than that.
- Symbolic - if elected I will move to reduce council's wage by 10 per cent but if unsuccessful I will donate 10 per cent of my wage to the town.
HEIDI RAST, TECHNICIAN
- What are the top three issues?
Our fire hall is seismically vulnerable and needs to be replaced. Traffic issues.
A regional sewage treatment plant, but I believe that the scope and cost of the current plan far exceeds what is required.
- Why should people vote for you?
I have worked hard over the past three years to develop a deep understanding of the issues that are facing View Royal. I believe in being a community representative and will always make time to meet with both residents and business owners. I do my homework and will work hard on your behalf to ensure that View Royal remains a great place to call home.
COUNCIL
JOHN ROGERS, RETIRED
- What are the top three issues?
Transportation. We need an efficient regional transit service. Smart growth. Innovative ways to promote commercial opportunities and appropriate residential densities.
Strong fiscal management.
- Why should people vote for you?
Years of service have proven my ability to address important issues, work effectively on behalf of residents and produce long-lasting results.
I have promoted the town's interests on significant regional matters. I do the research, listen and ask the tough questions. I bring fresh ideas to the council team.
Every neighbourhood of View Royal is important to me. I strive for transparent, open governance, streamlined services and for keeping our taxes low.
I seek win-win solutions for both residents and developers. I have what council needs most: hard work, integrity and a balanced perspective.
FRANK ALBERT RUDGE, REALTOR
- What are the top three issues?
Reducing our environmental imprint through more accessible public transit.
Greater transparency and accountability for expenditures.
A more visible profile for View Royal.
- Why should people vote for you?
I have incredible drive and tenacity.
I have a very strong social conscience.
I have integrity and I am accountable, some would say honest to a fault.
DAVID SCREECH, SHOP OWNER
- What are the top three issues?
Transportation issues, both local and regional will continue to be at the forefront. Ensuring that View Royal's outdated firehall is replaced.
Major regional expenditures such as sewage treatment.
- Why should people vote for you?
When I first ran for council, I ran with a slogan of "Residents First" and I still believe firmly in this approach. I have worked to ensure that the residents have a strong voice and advocate on council and that the residents' concerns are listened to and acted on.
I own and operate a long-standing Victoria business, Gregg's Furniture, and I believe that my business experience is an asset at the council table.
BRIAN WATTERS, ACCOUNT MANAGER
- What are the top three issues?
Keeping taxes low. Community involvement in the future development and priorities of View Royal projects.
Parks and recreation sites that promote gatherings to strengthen our community.
- Why should people vote for you?
I am a very strong listener and problemsolver. I would like to be the voice of residents on council to help ensure their concerns are heard and ideas thoroughly explored.
When projects are being proposed and decided on, I believe the residents of View Royal should be the ones making the decisions. I will help ensure that.
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ARESST: CRD Board is approving trade to Saanich of their part of Haro Woods for Saanich Haro Woods land plus more beside Hartland landfill and Saanich pays CRD $1.4 million to make the trade value equal.
HARO WOODS CRD BOARD REPORT
Here is link to the CRD Board report for Haro Woods, to be discussed at their meeting 9 November:
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