Residents should vote on the water-sharing agreement between Lantzville and Nanaimo, according to a district councillor renewing the call for a referendum.
District of Lantzville Coun. Denise Haime plans to make another attempt to put a water supply deal on the ballot this election, despite seeing the motion shut down four months ago. The original motion was seconded by no one when it was made last March. Haime, who provided notice of motion Monday, said the signing of an agreement can’t be undone by a new council and will affect residents “significantly” both financially and in terms of development. She wants electors to decide whether they approve of the final deal.
The district formally received the supply agreement from the City of Nanaimo almost four months ago, which would see city water pumped to 225 homes in upper Lantzville for a $1.3 million connection cost.
According to Mayor Jack de Jong, negotiations between the municipalities are back in camera. Lantzville is looking for minor modifications based on legal advice.
He isn’t sure the motion for a referendum can be made a second time, but said the district will always get input from its citizens. The motion, if permitted, is expected July 28.
