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Viewfield biosolids site not the right option

Now that the community consultation process has closed, it is appropriate to have Capital Regional District directors comment.

Now that the community consultation process has closed, it is appropriate to have Capital Regional District directors comment. I have appreciated the added information that the residents around the Viewfield site have provided, the questions they have raised and the search for the answers.

I think it was important to have two options to offer to the citizens of the CRD. I also believe that as residents of the region, we have to be willing to consider potential sites in every community. I cannot see any way to justify a location in one community without being willing to consider it for ourselves.

It think the Viewfield site is not the best option for the siting of the biosolid facility. The most compelling argument is the assessment of the stigma of a site having a one per cent devaluing of property values in a 500-metre radius. I suspect the more immediate neighbours will suffer more high impact.

The only identified advantage of Viewfield over Hartland is an estimated savings of $100,000 a year. With about 250,000 people contributing, that is an extra 40 cents a year spread out amongst all. The property value impact of Viewfield would be concentrated to the few thousand in the 5,000-metre zone.

On a social assessment, clearly Hartland is the obvious choice — but it is important to consider the interests of the residents of Willis Point and others.

I thank everyone for their passion and participation in this important civic project.

 

Mayor Dean Fortin

City of Victoria