Changes will be soon be implemented, at a cost, for those who access water at well number one in Lower Gibsons.
At the July 5 Gibsons council meeting, councillors voted in favour to start charging for drinking water at the well. A water-vending unit will be installed, along with a security system to monitor activity at the unit, estimated to cost between $6,500 and $8,000. The water will be dispensed for a fee of 25 cents per litre.
The vote was unanimous, with the exception of Coun. LeeAnn Johnson, who supported the motion, but raised concerns over the 25 cent fee, saying she fears the fee will penalize those who can't afford it and suggested it be lowered to 15 cents.
"I'm just concerned that at this level, we will accomplish some water conservation, but I'm actually much more concerned about people's ability to pay that amount," said Johnson.
Coun. Wayne Rowe said the corporate services committee explored various options on the matter, including shutting down the well.
"But it's almost kind of a little community happening down there," said Rowe. "So it just didn't seem right to shut it down."
Well number one provides free drinking water, directly from the aquifer, but the process has been under examination since water conservation has become a concern. Councillors noted some exploit the free system, such as those in recreation vehicles who fill up at the well.
Discussion on potential revenue from the unit has been pushed to the 2012 budget talks.
Trap bylaw
Residents packed the gallery Tuesday night as they continued to advocate for the bylaw to ban the use of animal leg-hold traps, including the Conibear and snare varieties.
But supporters of the ban will have to wait longer for its possible implementation.
The bylaw was given first reading at the June 21 council meeting, where people raised objections to some of the bylaw's details. In an ironic twist, a pet cat was caught in a trap in a Lower Gibsons neighbourhood the same day.
Vicki Starfire, whose dog was caught in a leg-hold trap in Sechelt in April, appeared before council July 5.
Starfire, director of the organization Concerned Citizens of the Sunshine Coast, which advocates a ban on traps, shared with councillors her disdain for what she feels are weaknesses in the bylaw, including broad exemptions and too low a fine amount.
She said she would also like to see the public being made aware of where and how many traps are set.
"It's a situation that's bad for everyone. I'd like you to remember this is a matter of public safety and liability concerns," said Starfire, who then told council they would be setting a precedent to other municipalities by banning traps.
Coun. Gerry Tretick assured Starfire that council shares her concerns.
"I don't want you to think because the draft bylaw doesn't satisfy you that we're not aware of public safety. We are aware," Tretick said.
Realizing the need for better language in the bylaw, as well as the short time frame before the local government breaks for August, council sent the issue to staff for tweaking before going ahead with further readings, which will be scheduled for the next council meeting July 19.
