The Truth about Stave Lake

The Truth about Stave Lake and the P3 Referendum

Here it is...this is what all the fuss is about...water.
The City of Abbotsford says we need more water
They've decided the best source is Stave Lake. To develop Stave Lake as a new water source the City of Abbotsford wants to engage in a Public-Private Partnership costing hundreds of millions of dollars
Here are the 4 main areas
1, the capital costs...2, the operational costs...3, our water usage and conservation and finally, number 4...what it all means to your water bill.
The Capital costs are estimated at just under $300 million. A year ago the price was $190 million That estimate rises every single time a new projection is created. The next challenge for Abbotsford is that Stave Lake is IN the District of Mission. The City of Abbotsford is claiming fiscal responsibility by receiving a grant from the Federal Government, but that grant maxes out at $65 million.
If we say NO to the P3, Mission will bring more money to the table than the Feds.
Well what about costs to operate the water delivery system?
Deloitte Touche, the company reviewing the project for the City of Abbotsford, stated clearly that we would need 4 less people to operate the system than a private company. We already know our system and our needs. A private operator will simply charge us for their profit. According to Deloitte Touche that profit could be as much as a million dollars per year.
You and I know it will most likely be more.
We have no approval from Mission to do any construction, We have no approval from the Department of Fisheries, We have no clear review of First Nations issues Resolving all of these things is simply going to add to the cost.
Why? Because we are running rough-shod over our neighbours instead of working with them. 4. Can we conserve our way out of the need to build a new water source. In my opinion...no. What about a city water conservation strategy? I believe they are morally obligated to do so,
So why hasn't the city considered:
City Cisterns, Rooftop rainwater recovery, A rain barrel program, Low flush toilet legislation and conversion incentive programs,Grey water recycling
These strategies should be implemented before trying to force us to conserve by increasing our water rates. Wait, it gets worse. While they claim the tiered rate system and the water meters will help you conserve wtaer, they are secretly hoping you don't.
The City needs you to use as much water as possible and continue to use as much as you can for the next 30 years.
So let's say No to the P3 Referendum and start over.
In BC, we live in a natural rain forest with enough water for all of us, for many generations to come. So, what does all this mean? Doom and gloom and millions of dollars in increased taxes!, Radical changes to the way you live your life...
Why now?
Two of my neighbours are school teachers. They've adopted 6 children between the ages of 5 and 11. The children attend the school behind me. They received their first water bill and it was $400. They're a hard working family, trying to provide for their family and be responsible citizens. This massive bill came without warning.
The result...More macaroni and cheese. Longer waits for new shoes. Less gifts this Christmas!
And now they can't even bathe every day.
Imagine that as a choice...the health and safety of your child or the water to cook and feed them with. The Mayor & Council think it is just a matter of voting yes to water. It's not!!!
P3 and increased water rate will more than double this family's water bill over the next few years.
And what about their health?
Reduced baths and showers will inevitably increase their risk of illness and disease.
Can you imagine this family and others trying to combat an infestation of head lice?
The mayor and councillors who support the P3 plan may have just sentenced this family (and many others like them) to a reduced standard of living.
Don't allow them to do this to your neighbours!
Vote NO to the P3 Referendum on November 19th. It is about the future... and our children.
Let's protect these children and defend this family's right to affordable water.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Abbotsford
• Stave Lake
• P3
• Dimanno

[chevboy119]

Keep Stave Lake Open to the public!!!! its the only fun off roading place near surrey! We have the right to use it responsibly!