The massive Greater Victoria sewage project has been years in the making, and major construction has yet to start. Delaying the deadline won’t help.
Victoria Coun. Marianne Alto asked other Capital Regional District board members this week to approach the provincial government about the possibility of extending the 2018 deadline for the project to 2020.
Opponents of the project would welcome a delay, but their reasons, although not unfounded, are not Alto’s reasons — she merely wants a cushion if it’s needed. Her suggestion will be discussed at next month’s board meeting.
A reckless pace is not a good idea when working on a $783-million project.
But delays, too, are expensive. The civilian commission directing the project is concerned that the timeline is in jeopardy because municipal politicians have yet to come to an agreement on zoning for the treatment plant in Esquimalt. Yet that commission has also warned that each month’s delay will add as much as $1 million to the cost of the project.
Furthermore, a delay would inject uncertainty and confusion into a project already rife with controversy. Companies that have already invested millions in the project would be understandably nervous — time is money to them, as well.
While flexibility is important in a project of this scope, the purpose of a deadline is to ensure a task is completed within an appropriate time frame. Extending a deadline defeats that purpose, opening the door to more delays and removing some of the motivation to get the project done on time.
