Re: “CRD: Sewage plan in line with growth strategy,” May 11.
The Capital Regional District recently declared that the current sewage plan adheres to the principles of the regional growth strategy. However, the four pillars of the strategy have clearly not been met: sustainability (being wise with resources), appropriateness (making sure development fits with local communities), continuity (listening to ideas of individuals and community associations), and co-operation, collaboration and co-ordination (all governments working together).
The proposed choice of Viewfield Road as the location for industrial sludge processing is completely inappropriate with respect to adjacent land uses. This site was chosen without any consultation with immediate residents, businesses or community associations, all of which have loudly rejected the proposal.
Viewfield is being considered because the area at McLoughlin Point is too small for both liquid and sludge treatment plants. McLoughlin is also poorly located to optimize heat recovery and will be at capacity by 2030. It’s obvious that the current fragmented configuration of this “centralized” model is not a poster child for sustainability.
A better location has been found on Burnside Road that is large enough to accommodate the entire treatment system, while allowing future expansion and surrounding development to be properly buffered from the plant. There are also significant opportunities for resource recovery. However, the CRD has refused to thoroughly assess this possibility, even though it could have far better outcomes for regional sustainability.
The current sewage plan clearly does not meet the strategy’s principles. The region deserves better.
Filippo Ferri
Esquimalt
