Editor:
Dismiss rhetoric on climate change, droughts, meters, conservation, restrictions as Chapman Lake hits bottom siphons annually.
Rhetoric adds no new water supply. We have abundant water supply sources with millions of cubic metres available daily. The task is to focus on delivering this water to the system.
We appreciate the shíshálh Nation leadership engaging the federal government for two proposed reservoirs.
Church Road Well approval soon? It is a vital addition this summer, but just a drop in the bucket filling present needs. SCRD Langdale wells and the reservoir plans still works in progress? Aquifer opportunities abound but without firm plans? Clowholm Lake deserves acceleration now as an exceptional source. Everyday it spills one million cubic metres directly into the Salmon Inlet, capturing 5% of this spill is more than our entire daily needs. A 32-kilometer pipe (under the inlet or above) is necessary connecting to the system.
Piping is costly, but to deliver 50 plus years of sustainable supply is beyond doubt good value. Based on grants, extended amortization, population growth, and generations contributing to repayment it compares favorably to other options. It relieves pressure on housing, farms, tourism, the economy, fire, etc. The SCRD time and resources dedicated to water presently can now be re-allocated to other needs.
Time is of the essence to deliver a water supply all 12 months. Unite jointly as one with our shíshálh Nation, federal and provincial governments, SCRD and Sechelt Councils.
Engage a water company working with communities. Their input, expertise and experience can design, build, and often finance, own, or manage water systems. It can reassure expediting the best plan to the public for a unanimous vote of approval. We are long overdue reclaiming our quality year-round lifestyle.
Howard Bishop, Sechelt
