| Dear Editor, For the past two years, the East Porpoise Bay Sewage Committee has researched biosolids treatment systems, including – but not limited to – an electrocoagulation system that has been developed by Ledcor. Each of these systems is capable of processing all of Sechelt’s sewage – not just the biosolids portion – with no odours or noise at an affordable cost. If we want, the liquid waste from such a plant can be purified and used for irrigation of lawns and golf courses, reducing the draw on our Chapman Creek water supply and dramatically reducing the discharge of waste water into Georgia Strait. Further, the biosolids can be used as fuel to create energy for industrial purposes. Since January, Council has been aware that a complete sewage treatment system can be installed now – rather than piecemeal over many years – without any increase in taxes. This would result in the odours and noise that Ebbtide and downtown Sechelt residents currently experience being eliminated next year! For some unfathomable reason, Council has refused to follow-up with John Henderson, who provided this information to them, despite requests from the East Porpoise Bay Committee. What is Council afraid of learning? Are they prepared to risk millions of dollars on an ill-conceived and incomplete plan, simply to protect their fragile egos? Sewer treatment systems are becoming more advanced and more affordable. That is why it is so important for Sechelt Council to consider the options to fix our entire sewer treatment plant now. It is greener than ever, more affordable, and there are large, reputable companies who will guarantee their projects. In the face of the opportunity to do things right, the Sechelt Council chose, instead, to hire a project manager for a biosolids-only approach. Council has opted to pay $180,000 to an off-Coast firm whose role is simply to hire an engineering firm to do the work and to create another committee to monitor the project. As we have said for many months now, the “biosolids-only” approach is a serious mistake – Sechelt risks throwing good money down the drain by not pursuing the options for a complete solution. I urge the Council to take a broader, more innovative look at our options for upgrading and expanding our sewer treatment facilities in Sechelt before making a huge and costly mistake. Taxpayers expect the best decisions, the most transparent practices and a more entrepreneurial approach to government and economic development than we have been getting. Yours truly, Nikki Stringer |
To the Editor, “We can and we will!” These are the last words in Clark Hamilton’s editorial tirade in the June 2011 edition of Building the Coast. Let’s begin there. This essentially means that we have the capability and the means to foment change in the way that is best for all on the Sunshine Coast. Let’s forget “nimby-ism” for a moment. If it’s not good for the coast, it’s not good for anyone. If it’s not good for everyone it’s not good for the coast. Like it or not we are all connected to one piece of land affectionately referred to as the Sunshine Coast. It truly is a slice of heaven. We can only maintain the lifestyle we enjoy here in paradise if we nurture and develop the assets we have. No matter how many times you slice the same pie, small business is the backbone of our economy. No business, no jobs, no income, no people, no taxes, no social programs, no growth. That in a nut shell is it. If local governments had any vision at all, and some would have you believe that they do, they would lead, follow or get out of the way. I prefer get out of the way; they seem to prefer to confuse and convolute the issues. When was the last time you heard, “Hi, I’m from the government, how can I help you”? No is not the answer; hell it’s not even the question. Maybe it’s time to change the people that get elected and the shills they hire to serve their own interests and look for people willing to serve everyone’s interests. Those that can, do and those that can’t get government jobs. Allan B. Holt Halfmoon Bay Part of the Sunshine Coast Read More letters to the Editor
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