CVRD and NGOs can’t get story straight on water
Do the CVRD and the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society (CLRSS) know what they are planning to do?
I attended the meeting in the Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall on June 11, 2018, in regards to increasing the storage capacity of Cowichan Lake by raising the weir by 30 cm as soon as possible and to 70 cm if needed in the future.
Then, at the meeting in the Lake Cowichan Arena on Sept. 19, 2018, the attendees were informed that raising the weir was not part of the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Service. Instead the CVRD staff was talking about the possible construction of a brand new weir to the tune of $20 million.
The “Proposed CVRD Water Function etc.” article by Ken Traynor, president of the CLRSS, in the Citizen of September 21, again mentions the raising of the weir.
Mr. David Slade in his “Proposed CVRD services worth risk” article in the Citizen criticizes the concerns of people and some politicians on the upcoming CVRD referendums on drinking water and watershed protection and affordable housing. He claims that the main criticism is based on the “perceived” lack of specific details as to how exactly the money will be spend.
If the CVRD and the various non-government organizations cannot get their story straight, how can the taxpayers in Cowichan Valley make an informed decision on the proposed bylaws?
Mr. Slade is also wrong that the CVRD cannot significantly raise the tax without seeking further taxpayer approval. Regional governments are empowered by the provincial government to increase the cost of any service every five years without having to get permission from the constituents. Well, we can always debate what is meant by “significantly”.
Hubert Crevels
Lake Cowichan